Little Leaguers: Dabblers Without Discipline
For lack of discipline, they will die, led astray by their own great folly.
Proverbs 5:23 (NIV)
Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame.
Proverbs 13:18 (NIV)
Those who disregard discipline despise themselves.
Proverbs 15:32 (NIV)
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV)
A dabbler is 'one who engages in activity superficially or without serious intent' (American Heritage Dictionary).
Discipline is 'a regimen that develops or improves a skill' (Random House Dictionary).
Therein, a dabbler without discipline is doomed to failure by God and by man…including media’s major leagues.
Consider 4 key kinds of discipline:
Discipline of the self-seeking soul: John the Baptist said, 'He must increase, but I must decrease.' The Apostle Paul said, 'I die daily' (1 Corinthians 15:31). We must die to self to increase in God.
'For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want (Galatians 5:17).
God's major league players must discipline self-centeredness to grow in His Spirit.
Discipline of the carnal body: If our bodies are the 'Temple of The Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), shouldn't we keep them in tip-top shape? Shouldn’t our temples be clean, attractive, and standing ready to fight the good fight?
‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden…. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven’ (Matthew 5:14-16).
Shining is a major league uniform.
Discipline of the wandering mind: 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind' (Matthew 22:37). But even Peter wavered: 'You are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men' (Matthew 16:23). The solution?
'We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ' (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Discipline of the negative mouth: God says, 'Death and life are in the power of the tongue' (Proverbs 18:21). Even more: 'No human being can tame' it (James 3:8). But God’s Spirit can. Pray for His guidance: 'Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips' (Psalm 141:3).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ: To win the roles God has ordained for you…
Discipline your soul, body, mind, and mouth!
Little Leaguers: Dabblers Without Discipline (Part 7)
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.