LIVING BY THE RULES 6

DISCIPLINE AND SELF CONTROL

II Timothy 2:1-5 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2) And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (3) Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (4) No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. (5) And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

The Athlete must practice discipline and self control both on and off the playing field. They diet, exercise, and avoid activities that will harm their bodies.
Spiritually we too must practice discipline both in our church families and out in the world. Remember that you are the only Bible that some people ever read. If you are not in control of yourself what are they going to think of the relationship you have with Christ? People watch us. I know as a pastor that they watch me closely and I realize that I am usually held to a higher standard than the average church member. That's okay but I firmly believe that every Christian should not compare himself with the pastor but should strive to be more like Christ.
If you can control yourself to act Christlike in church as well as in the world you will definitely be a benefit to the spiritual team.
Please feel free to contact me by email at shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.