Because I said so, that's why!
So I attempted to write this the other day but it didn't quite happen. The idea wan't completely there. I think it's here now, so let's have another try.I am not very good at doing things that I have to do. If it is a choice between something I have to do and something that I don't have to do, I will most likely choose the thing that I don't have to do, even if the thing that I have to do is usually my preference. I think it's another product of not liking being put in obes. I don't like being told what to do. And so at times I have struggled with the concept of personal discipline, because it involves something that I have to do. I know it's good for me, but it still doesn't get done all the same.
So recently I've been discovering all these things about love. And so there are things that I used to have to do but now I love to do them. But I have discovered something else. I still need discipline. Because even though I am beginning to love these things it is still so easy to to find the time no tto do them, or forget to do them.
And so I was pondering love and discipline. I kow they are linked, Proverbs 3:12 tells us that the Lord disciplines those He loves. Verse 11 also tells us not to despise or resent it. But I thought this was different. Isn't it? This is not about doing something wrong but about doing something right. So maybe it applies even more... I have always said (or at least said it for a while) that discipline has to be part of the Christian experience. But I think I am now getting that this is particularly because of it's relationship with love. Discipline is a choice. Love is a choice. You are disciplined because you love. And maybe that's how God fits in. As part of His love to us He helps us be disciplined. This is not just a punishment for wrong doing but also out of a very healthy practice for doing good things.
So as part of my love relationship with God here are the things that He is disciplining me in.
Everyday I want to have:
A time of solitude that contains enough time to:
- read at least 5 chapters of Scripture
- pray for those on my prayer list
- pray the Bible for 15 min
- spend time listening to God
- memorise Scripture
- ready myself for battle
I want to regularly (something based around at least weekly times for these):
- read books that enrich my daily walk
- study the Word of God in a way that gives depth, pulling it apart and putting it back together again
- have a day of Sabbath rest where I reflect on the week that has been and examine myself in it; to realign myself with God's purpose and call on my life and where I spend time acknowledging God's greatness and goodness
- take time to write. I have discovered that I really love doin it and sometimes I have an occassionally decent turn of phrase. And it's great for me because I learn so much from it.
I think that is about it for now. I hesitate to put this here because I really don't want to put myself and my practices up as a standard. Instead I put this up here as a reminder to myself to keep me accountable, and to also allow all of you to have that role in my life as well. So feel free.
posted by bec @ 4:10 am
3 Comments:
Well then, Ms Spiritual one... I wish I had the time and energy to do that, but I start reading my Bible and fall asleep in the middle, even when I try not to! Still, luck with that, I'm sure it will be great.
Just so you know, didn't mean to be nasty. Actually, most people would be sarcastic because it is a load to take on and I don't think most people could do it. I couldn't. But I wish I could, which is what actually sucks most. Luvs you, Cass
Love you back Cass! You are so sweet. I can't believe you came back to clarify. :) You are beautiful.
Post a Comment
<< Home