SELF-DISCIPLINE > RESOLUTIONS

It’s January so the buzzword of the month is “resolutions.” Chances are in the last week or two someone asked you what your resolutions are. Recently, I was with a group of friends, and it was a pretty split decision—half the group liked resolutions and the other half hated the word. Resolutions often have the connotation that they are empty promises and unfulfilled goals; reason being, most resolutions are idealized notions with no planned follow through. How about this year instead we focus more on the self-discipline that it takes for resolutions to be successful?

If you want to lose those 40 pounds, read the Bible every day, or get out of debt, you need to have self-discipline. It is not an easy decision, but it is a very rewarding one. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).  Self-control is also listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit. God knows that responsibility and perseverance pay off toward great accomplishments. As you approach this year, pray for and choose to develop self-discipline, because then all goals and “resolutions” will become much more easily attainable in the future!