In the previous blog we saw two choices we can make to get back our freedom and dignity.
The third choice is to develop a practice of discipline
Most of us have emotional and mental quitting points. Quitting is the easy way. It’s easier not to finish our education. It’s easier to quit relationships than resolve conflicts. Its’ easier to not stay committed to…We pay dearly for our lack of discipline.
Hollywood glamorizes quitting, but it would be far better to tell stories of those who want to quit, but don’t? A Norwegian proverb says, “Heroism consists on hanging on one minute longer.”
For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again. Proverbs 24:16
Discipline is the process by which self-control comes. When you commit to finding a balanced rhythm of discipline self-control will follow.
Fourthly, appreciate the freedom Christ gave you
Be totally committed to keeping your freedom. God will give you the courage and inspiration. Some of you are on the verge of quitting… “You don’t know my situation…” I don’t but God does. You can break through the wall. You can do it. You can keep going. Don’t quit.
Though no was injured after a bomb exploded on Martin Luther King Jr’s front porch King took it in stride. In the book ‘Bearing the Cross’, King said, “I am tired of the threat of death. I want to live. I don’t want to be a martyr. There are times I doubt if I’ll make it through. I’m tired of getting hit, beaten, and tired of going to jail. But the important thing is not how tired I am, the important thing is to get rid of the condition that lead us to march.
Lord, I must confess that I’m weak now and I’m losing my courage and it seemed I heard a voice saying, Martin Luther stand for righteousness. Stand up for justice. And lo I will be with you always, even until the end of the world. He promised never to leave me, never leave me alone. No never leave me alone.”
Jesus, who undeservedly was humiliated, spit upon, beaten and crucified for you knowing that His choice would forgive you and I. Jesus was the epitome of self-control who never emphasized his own will who said, “Everything I do pleases the Father.” John 5:30
He was never tricked into doing or saying anything that wasn’t consistent with the Father. Aren’t you glad Jesus said no to Peter’s statement that he would not go to the cross? If you’re in a cell of your own and can’t find a way out allow God to free you. Get the help you need to be free.
Cooperate with God by making choices that will help you stay free from enslavement to lesser things.
