purpose and discipline

There is a very strong need for self-discipline.

Anybody can become motivated, have a desire to work hard and be successful, but any of that is hard without self-discipline. 

December 1st, I set a goal for myself that I would run 100 miles in December leading up to my wedding day. (1/2/21) That's a pretty hearty goal for me considering I am not much of a runner and have never done anything like that before. I have been running 4 miles a day and knew that if I did not skip a single day that I could actually complete the mark a week early. I have officially ran just over 4 miles every day of the month and know that I will be able to run 124 miles this month. For me, it's a big achievement. For me to accomplish this like I have, I had to be incredibly self-disciplined. Heck, it's December. There have been days where it's been snowing, raining, and freezing cold and I couldn't let myself not run. I am also a big morning person, and needed to do these runs in the morning. So there were nights were I would get 5 hours of sleep and still get up and do it. 

I don't share that story brag, but I believe my relationship with Christ is a lot like this. You have to commit to it daily. You have to do things you don't normally feel like doing. You have to have a purpose, and an incredible amount of discipline. 

I will also tell you this, as good as it felt to hit 100 miles, it wasn't about that for me. The most rewarding part was that I developed phenomenal habits, and pushed myself out of my comfort zone. Although this was merely just a physical task, the self-discipline it helped me create carried over to all aspects of my life. 

Do you not know that in a are all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;  I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my salve so that after I have preached to others, I myself will be disqualified for the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Winning a race requires purpose and discipline. Paul uses this illustration to outline that the Christian life takes hard work, self-denial, and growling preparation. 

As Christians, we are running toward our heavenly reward. The essential disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and worship equip us to run with vigor and stamina. 

Don't merely observe from the grandstands don't just try out to jog a couple laps each morning. Train diligently - your spiritual progress depends on it.