I am making changes this week in my life. My Early Morning routine is going to happen which includes exercise. I am going to get the younger two to have their daily devotions. I am going to . And then Ill .
While walking this morning (my first determined change!!) God put this succession in my mind.
Lack of self-discipline leads to guilt (Im not doing anything)
Guilt leads to extreme change (Im going to do it all)
Extreme change will overwhelm and lead to a lack of self-discipline
Gods answer is MODERATION linked with self discipline
Here is how I see it working out:
Due to my lack of self-discipline I put on a little weight.
I feel guilty about this and I make extreme changes such as a power walk and a weights/resistance workout
This is extreme because my back cant take that kind of pressure and Ill stop doing it and the cycle starts all over again.
It happens with my parenting too:
Due to my lack of self-discipline one of my childrens weaknesses become a major issue in our family life.
I feel guilty about this and set my days to TRAIN this child (read not very graciously!)
This is extreme because my child will respond a lot better if I am gentle and guide him in Gods ways for him!
It happens in our lifestyle too:
Due to my lack of self-discipline I dont spend enough fun time with the kids
I feel guilty about this and plan a whole week of fun activities
This is extreme because I ignore the rest of my responsibilities and next week Im dealing with the laundry!
Gods answer Moderation and Self-discipline. Sure God wants me to excel in all I do but He wants me to do it in His strength, by His Wisdom not by the plans of man.
If I am going to trust God with my days, with my children, with my choices then I need to slow down and ask Him what He desires of me, what is His plan for my child, for our family, for our day? Only then should I make some changes.
Some verses that come to mind:
Eccl.3:1 There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.
Eccl.3:14 I know that everything God does will remain forever, there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him.
2 Tim 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
Heb 12:11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
I will say a prayer for youf steadfastness in these new steps. I have been adding a new area of discipline each week this summer. The progress is slow but I see the fruit of its blessings. Have a WONDERFUL week!
I'm getting my cup full from your blog today. We had a hurricane … Hurricane Dennis.. over the weekend, so only now am I catching up with the blogs. Along with the above posts, this one spoke to me. I LOVE the succession that God gave you. It is so very, very true, and I am guilty (wrong word!) every day.
I know this post is 12 years old now, but it spoke straight to my heart when I read it. I am pouring through your posts – from 2005 to now! I’m loving your blog!
Hi Melissa – you really are digging back aren’t you! Well, I had a read of this old post too – and to be honest, there is still a bit of extreme reactions going on in my life – but I hope I’ve grown a little in this area – maybe not so extreme!! Thanks for commenting – and prompting me to think again about being moderate with my expectations!