Spiritual Discipline

Hello Everyone,
When I hear the word "discipline" the first thing that comes to my mind is OUCH!! I can remember growing up and getting disciplined a lot. I mean I had to go pick the switch my mom would use on me from the weeping willow tree that was across the street from where we lived. I had to go to that tree so often that by the time I graduated high school it was nothing but a stump. As I look back in my life I can see that the disciplining I received help to be the man I am today. Hebrews 12:7-11 talks of God's discipline for His children because He loves us as His own sons and daughters. Yes, discipline when it happens is never fun but it is good for us because of how it helps us by developing within us the characteristics God desires. Discipline is needed so that we can have the proper relationship with our heavenly Father. There are twelve spiritual disciplines I would like to focus on for the next few weeks. They are prayer, meditation, fasting, study, simplicity, solitude, submission, service, confession, worship, guidance, and celebration. The first four are considered inward disciplines, the middle four are considered outward disciplines, and the last four are considered corporate disciplines. I look forward to sharing these thoughts with you. Stay tuned!!

Work Ethic

When someone says, "you have a great work ethic", what do they mean? Most likely, they are recognizing the desire, diligence, and determination to see a project or activity completed with success. A great work ethic is noticed because of the attitude that is portrayed. The attitude is displayed by your actions and your words. Your attitude is the drive you have to arrive early, persevere when faced with obstacle, be the cheerleader for others when they seem to be in a rut or when their motivation is low. But, is this great work ethic seen in everything you do or just what is most enjoyable to you?

A great work is not chosen to be seen when it is most convenient. A great work ethic should be who we are on the inside. I say this because a lot of times our work ethic is evident in worldly activities but very rarely seen in our daily walk with Christ.

God wants a great work ethic when it comes to building our relationship with Him. Luke 9:23-26 sets the standard for us in establishing and maintaining a great work ethic. This is a process for us. John Maxwell says, "spiritual leadership happens daily, not in a day." Read II Peter 1:5-11, there are eight character qualities we must develop and when we do we are promised of effectiveness and fruitfulness. When these qualities are developed and growing within us then our work ethic will be worth talking about.