Strong Enough To Say No

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
-1 Corinthians 9:24-27

As we embark on our own life's journey, we each have our own challenges. It would be so nice if life came to us easily. But as life would have it, nothing comes easy. Nothing comes to us without a challenge to push us harder, make us go farther, challenge us to grow and mature.

I have battled with weight issues for about 12 years now. So many times I have looked at healthier people and think that they have it easy. They can eat what they want, they don't need to exercise. But in reality most healthy people aren't that way without the cost of discipline. They too have to face the challenge that life brings, noting is accomplished without working for it.

Today's book shelves are lined with all kinds of self-help books. Books that help with lost souls. Books to introduce self-fulfillment, self-satisfaction, self-esteem, self-awareness, and any other self- issue that ones self can think of. However not to many books are found that teach self-discipline. That's because self-discipline is not a popular topic in todays society.
We are a society full of indulgence!

Self-discipline requires us to take a long hard look at ourselves. An honest look at our strengths and weaknesses. It means becoming Strong Enough To Say No when a powerful desire that can become so overwhelming emerges. Most of the time that desire can control ones life.
Self-discipline does not come to us naturally, it is a learning trait that takes a long steady course of learning to change our attitudes to follow Christ. He is the perfect example that we must follow. Christ's body was a slave to Him. He controlled it, it did not control Him.

Today's question: What are your weakest areas of self-discipline? Can you learn to control your body?

Father, all of us have self-discipline issues in one way or another. I know Lord that as You walked this earth You were perfect. Your body was Your slave, You controlled it. I pray Lord, that You will teach us to do the same. To follow Your example and be in control of our selves. Teach us the learned trait of self-discipline.
In Jesus Name
Amen.
Christian