Friday, August 24, 2012

Discipline Over Desire.


A few weeks ago the whole world was captivated by the Olympics - including me. 

There is something about watching people give everything they’ve got to compete at an event they have worked their whole life to be the best at. And it is obvious to those of us who watch that these athletes have given everything they have to accomplish their goal of winning an Olympic medal. And it’s also obvious to just about everyone who watches that if I (or anyone else for that matter) tried to do the things that these athletes do without the commitment and discipline that they put into their sport, would fail miserably. 

It doesn’t matter how bad I may want to swim like Michael Phelps or run like Usain Bolt; if I wasn’t willing to put in the work, I would never get close to my desire. 

To be a great Olympian, desire is not enough; it also takes discipline. 

I think the same is true when it comes to our relationship with God. 

It’s not enough for me to just say I want to know God or grow in my relationship with him; it also takes the discipline of being willing to do something to know him better and grow in that relationship. 

Mark 12:28-30 says that we are to love God with all our heart, mind soul, and strength.

God wants us to give all of who we are, not just our desire. 

So the question I have for you today is this: 

What are you willing to do to know God better? Is it just something you say or is it something you’re willing to give all of who you are to accomplish?

This week, will you be willing to take time out of your day to get in God’s word and spend time in prayer? Will you be willing to do more than just say you want to know God; will you actually do something about it? 

Olympians don’t win medals without discipline and commitment, and followers of Christ don’t grow in their relationships with God without a little commitment and discipline also. 

- Brad Snipes
Middle School Pastor, BCC