Today Bobby had his first day off in a long time. And we sure did enjoy it. Sleeping in, reading, Dr. Mario, going out to lunch, Borders, Starbucks and blogging…it’s been a great day of relaxation. Even more than the day off we are really enjoying Matt Redman’s new CD called “Blessed Be Your Name” which is a compilation of the favorites from his albums. Bobby wrote a great [1] review of it at Godsong music and we’ve been playing the CD on repeat all evening.

I spent some time today cleaning out our hall closet. It is the only storage we have in our small apartment, but rather than keeping it organized so we could use all of the space, I have gotten in the habit of just throwing things in and quickly closing the door. Well, it happened sooner than I thought–I threw something in and closed the door and as I walked away I heard a bunch of the clutter crash around behind the doors. I realized at that point that if I didn’t clean it today, when was I going to?

This situation spurred on a conversation with my mom about discipline. It’s so easy to write down a list of things to be done and a whole different matter to accomplish each item. We both know an individual who is praised as being “disciplined” for paying a visit to their gym each day and only eating organic foods. I’ve heard a popular seminary professor called “disciplined” for getting up at four o’ clock every morning to study in his personal library. We all have different thoughts on what “disciplined” should look like. Usually our perspective mirrors our weaknesses. I remember one of my summer school roommates in college would get up at the same time each morning and sit at the end of her bed with her head in her pillow for half and hour. For weeks she did this and finally I asked her what she was doing. She was praying. I was profoundly struck by this because I was weak in the discipline of prayer.

For others it may be exercise or flossing their teeth…we all have areas in which we are not disciplined. For sure cluttering closets is one of mine! I’ve begun to see how a lack of discipline in my heart and mind flesh out in the way I conduct my time, home and habits. But my mom reminded me that it doesn’t matter how together someone’s life looks because they work out, eat healthy, go to bed on time and wake up early. If their heart is not engaged in the will and working of the Lord, even a great amount of discipline serves no purpose. I realized that if I take this reality into perspective with the fact that as a believer I have no reasons, only excuses for not being disciplined in the things the Lord requires of me. John Macarthur says, “Discipline is obedience to God’s Word and willingness to submit everything in life to His will, for His ultimate glory.”

It’s easy when it’s summertime or when we have a day off to use that time selfishly or waste it lazily, but I don’t see how such exceptions are made for a believer. Following Christ is not a part-time or when-I-feel-like-it commitment. It is full-time and worth every moment and sacrifice because nothing that I am giving up or any pain I’m experiencing to get things together compares to what Christ suffered in providing my salvation. I thought through some practical ways that I can grow in discipline, such as being punctual, organized, and grateful for correction. On busy days and days I hope to learn to “Be dilligent to present yourself approved to God a worker who does not need to be ashamed…” (2 Timothy 2:15)