1 Corinthians 9:24-27: 24-Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
What motives you to do the things you do daily? Is it your children? Is it to get an education to escape poverty and improve the standard of living for your family? Is it to escape political or religious persecution? Or is it a dream to do better as your personal goals? Whatever your reasons are, the thing that drives us to do what we do are usually self-determined and personal. Sometimes in life, self-determination and personal convictions are not enough to deliver us the prize of life we so strive to obtain. They become as the Preacher in Ecclesiastes says, "Vanity of vanities." In other words, empty ambitions, and an unfulfilled heart.
Motivation is the reason or reasons a person has for acting or behaving in a particular way. Motivation is the enthusiasm, drive, ambition, initiative, and determination that will drive a person to do just about anything to accomplish the goal. But it can diminish over time when it is faced with the trials and hardships of life; this is why we need discipline. Metaphorically, motivation can be like some friends, they are with you when everything is going well, when you are riding on mountain top experiences. But when you start going through the valleys of life, motivation, like some friends, can't be found.
In life's walk as an individual, these attributes are essential in the natural world, but in the world of Christ, to complete the race of life in Christ you need spiritual discipline. Discipline is like that friend who is with you through thick and thin. When you find discipline and discipline finds you, you have a teammate for life. Discipline will always take you where motivation won't. Discipline will be the last man standing with you. Discipline will be with you through the hard places and the tough places of life. Discipline will keep you when you are not thinking or even feeling like it. Discipline is the friend that cheer you on and paces your steps in life, like a tough sports coach. He is your trainer and restrainer. He pushes you mentally beyond what you thought you could do. He knows you and your temperament and how to produce the maximum output for your course of life. Discipline teaches us endurance and perseverance; for without this friend, we would give up and not persist. When you find disciple, keep him and he will keep you.
As a leader of God's people, it is essential that we master the art of disciplining our bodies, minds, and spirits before we are fit to lead and train others. Since we all strive to be lead of by the Spirit and walk in the Spirit, it is our responsibility to position ourselves for the training of the Lord. He has the master plans for developing our spiritual muscles, mindset, and spiritual strategic growth plan to arrive at our place of purpose and destiny.
The Need For Self-Discipline.
There will be times in your walk in Christ you will not be motivated to pray, read your Bible, fast, or attend church. You will feel like giving up. Nevertheless, because you are disciplined to read, study your Bible daily, and fast and pray it will be the very anchor that will not allow you to drift and keep your soul in Christ. Life can come at you so hard that you don't have time to think, but you do what you have been trained and disciplined to do automatically. Have a lifestyle of prayer and fasting. Have a lifestyle of reading, studying, and knowing your Bible daily. Spend time with God and tune your ears to listen to His voice daily. They have disciplined you for the challenges of life in Christ Jesus. When you are disciplined in the things and ways of God, discipline will take you where motivation won't go.
Psalm 5:3- My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Isaiah 26:9-With my soul have I desired you in the night. Yes, with my spirit within me will I seek you earnestly; for when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.
What's Your Life Scripture? Everyone should have foundational scriptures from the Word of God that are a part of their making from salvation to their present spiritual development. What is the constant scripture or scriptures in your life the Lord has given you directly or indirectly through others? We all have them. They are life theme scriptures the Lord uses to encourage us to hold on and not lose faith in Him. They can move from one theme to another depending on what area God is working on in your life. These are the main threads of scripture that are being woven throughout the tapestry of our lives creating us into the image of Christ. Whatever the case maybe, I encourage you to endure the discipline of the Lord and the rigorous paces He puts you through to develop the character of Christ by bringing discipline in your spiritual lives. Remember, when motivation fails you, discipline will not.
Here are a few life scriptures listed below:
Be Steadfast:
1 Corinthians 15:58-Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Don't Get Weary In Well Doing:
Galatians 6:9-And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Know That God Is Faithful:
Hebrews 6:10-For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
God's Grace Is Enough:
2 Corinthians 12:9-And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, the the power of Christ may rest upon me.
God's Mercy Is Everlasting:
Ephesians 2:4-But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us.
You Can Endure Hardness:
1 Timothy 2:3-Therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
Trust The Lord Totally:
Proverbs 3:5-6-Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Cast Down All Imaginations:
2 Corinthians 10:5-Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
Running With Horesmen:
Jeremiah 15:2 - If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
Waiting On The Lord:
Isaish 40:31-But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Fight The Good Fight:
2 Timothy 4:7-8 - I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.