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"Discipline: The Brutal Road to Delayed Gratification"

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to succeed at everything they attempt? One common denominator is at work -- discipline. Lest you think this is nothing more than a motivational speech, look at the root word of discipline -- disciple. Luke 14:25-28 tell us how difficult it is to become a disciple of Christ. It's easy to become a Christian, but becoming a disciple requires the carrying of the cross. 1. Discipline is one of today's most endangered character qualities. What is it? It may be defined as "delayed gratification." Scott Peck defines it thusly: discipline is "the process of scheduling the pain and pleasure of life in such a way as to enhance the pleasure by experiencing the pain first and getting it over with." Some classic examples of this would include the way one might eat a piece of pie -- the good stuff first, saving the crust for last; or the way one would eat Neapolitan ice cream -- eating your favorite flavor first. In the Christian life, we show a lack of discipline when we only worship when we "feel the Spirit move", rather than stepping out in faith and praising God whether we feel like it or not. Another example is wanting a blessed life without paying the price in prayer. 2. Develop a "David" philosophy, according to Psalm 30:5. Also Psalm 126:5 says, "Those who sow in tears shall reap with joy". God doesn't always pay on Friday, but He always pays on time. 3. The three-word key to a disciplined life is "advanced decision making". The time to decide that you will be disciplined is not when it's tough, but make the decision when you're excited about it, and don't let anything deter you from that decision. Innocent exceptions are some of the most dangerous things we'll ever have to deal with.