Pastor John MacArthur is often criticized about being too theologically focused and not practical enough. One of my favorite sermons is from a series he taught called The Art of Self Discipline. In part one, he gives a great list of practical things that we can all do to help us become more disciplined in our lives. Below are my notes from his list.
1. Begin with Small things
- Learn to discipline yourself in the little things of life.
2. Clean your environment
- Become discontent with a mess.
- Learn how to trim down and get rid of the excess.
- This allows you to function without a myriad of distractions.
3. Make a Schedule
- Learn to conform to that schedule.
4. Wean yourself off of being entertained
- Get yourself to the point where you can take entertainment or leave it.
- Be productive rather than entertained.
5. Be on Time.
- Order your little universe so you can get where you need to get when you need to get there clothed and in your right mind.
- Promptness says a lot about how your life is ordered.
- It also speaks to your character.
6. Keep Your Word
- Even in the little things.
- Don’t make promises you don’t keep.
- Make commitments and see them through.
7. Always Do the Hardest Task First
8. Finish What You Start
9. Practice Self Denial
- Just for the sake of self denial and proving to yourself you can.
- Prove to yourself that you can say no.
- Make sure you’re still in charge of yourself.
10. Volunteer
1 comments:
That's a good one. We watched the special features from Princess Bride last night and they had a segment on fencing...the guy interviewed mentioned that the body is weak, it is the spirit that must command the body to keep going/fighting.
It really struck me...how often do we let the body control? I'm tired so I won't do this task, I'm hungry so I'll eat (even if I know I'm not truly physically hungry), I'm craving this or that so I must need it, etc...we instantly gratify our body's whims instead of bringing them into subjection.
Thanx for a practical list on self-discipline.
and, for the record, I think there is nothing wrong with being "too theologically focused and not practical enough"
Have a great time in Hawaii :)
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