“All athletes are disciplined in their training…So I run with purpose in every step…I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that …I myself might be disqualified.”

1 Corinthians 9:25-27 NLT

Over the course of writing over 330 blogs, I’ve experienced a lot of change: 3 different jobs (same company), a major move, and with it, I lost my gym community. While it sounds trivial, I’m a person that thrives in a routine, especially when it includes working out in an instructor led class. I felt so strong and empowered through the Barre community. 

What I’ve come to realize as I’ve processed the loss of the last season is that I don’t have as much self discipline as I thought. Sure – it looked like it because I was up at 5:30am 5 days a week to go to the barre, but really, it was more about meeting someone’s expectation of me and going because they made me feel welcomed and valued. I got up for the people. I got up for the joy of the class. Yes, I benefited- but self discipline alone did not push me out of bed. It was external motivation. 

The Lord has been convicting me recently of the lack of self discipline I have as I’ve tried different workouts and places. He’s been speaking to me about the need for self discipline in a few areas of my life so today’s reading was timely. 

I find it interesting that two Greek words are used only in this passage of Scripture throughout the New Testament: hupōpiazō, to hit under the eye (buffet or disable an antagonist as a pugilist), to tease or annoy (into compliance), to subdue one’s passions; and doulagōgéō, to to treat with severity, to subject to stern and rigid discipline. 

If you’ve ever read stories of athletes – especially Olympic athletes or bodybuilders- you know they subject themselves to extreme diet and exercise routines. I asked a body builder recently why she did it and her answer was simple: I want to see how much I’m capable of. She said she doesn’t wait to feel  motivated to work out or eat a certain way – she practices extreme self discipline and the motivation follows. 

That’s a pattern the Lord has been pointing out to me in my life – far too often it is feeling first then action for me. When in reality, in G-d’s economy – it is action, followed by feeling. I’m not sure what all this means for me personally, but I hear a sobering call deep within to ready myself for my future by being intentionally focused bringing greater discipline to my mind, my will, my emotions, and my physical being today. More of Him. Less of me. Always. 

Father – I’m not certain I understand all You are saying to me so I ask You to reveal to me what actions I am to take. Help me to lay down my grief so I am free to carry what the future holds. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

Daily Reading: 1 Corinthians 9-11

December 1, 2022