By Pastor Jon
It is 9:12am as I start to write this piece.
So far this Morning, I have dropped my wife and our kids to school, then returned, before repeating, because one of these beauties did not have everything.
Last night, I did not have as much sleep as required, but that was my own fault-line. I am a night guy. Not that this looks the same as in those wonder years, but I can keep it together as the clock strikes a new day. Last night became this Morning when I said, “Good-bye,” to another younger man, chewing the phat, about 12:30am.
This was not really that big a deal, but I hadn’t cleaned-up. This is my part of the consumption routine. Shannon prepares. I clean. And there was quite the mess. Let’s just say it took longer than desired, which meant when I finally went horizontal, I was more than ready for some night-swimming (REM; the group; not the brain dance).
If you’re thinking at this point, what exactly is the, we’ve just arrived at this destination.
As part of my process, I follow three different Bible reading plans. Mr Spiritual. Not really. And not the point. This package has some shape, but is not normally overtly onerous. I am also a reader, which means I can consume, buffet style. Anyway, at this hour, where even angels think twice before treading, I went to the phone, as I had not completed that day’s reading requirement.
Generally, I like to begin the day, then read something else, while I finish the day in bed. Life does not always follow this plan, but because I have a reading program, I have an avenue that holds me accountable, at the end. Therefore, when I was thinking about what I had to complete before I actually went to sleep, I knew there was some Bible reading to complete. Then I “opened” my phone, clicked on my first reading plan, which is chronologically through the Bible in a year. I had been in the Book of Acts. The previous night was Acts 14. You what comes after 14? Not 15. The Book of James actually. All five chapters. And there were others to complete once James has been effectively Jimmied.
This was Day 326 of 365. About 89% of the year. I have not missed a day. I was not going to start now.
When we talk about the importance of discipline, we should never think of it as some mystical idea floating in the ether. Discipline becomes active when it has something to commit into life. I have this accountability structure in my life; these reading plans. I am committed. Period. This is not because I am routined like a Drill Sergeant. It is because I am convinced of this need as a fruitful application of a faithful life. It is like keeping your word to your wife and kids. You do so because you love them. This makes it a delight.
Therefore, well after I was losing at One, I began reading through the whole Book of James. Then a Psalm. Closing with a chapter from Ephesians. Once I was done. I was out. Like a light.
What will make you, special, and that is probably not the best word, but it does connect with how we characterise those seeking a summit; it will not be the exceptional moments. It will not be the stage. Character forms in the dark so you can stand appropriately in the light. Practically, this amounts to having an achievable daily process that reflects the true priorities of life. It is then having an indefatigable commitment to doing what you’ve conceptually said. “Life as Process Means Small Steps in the Same Direction over an Increasing Period of Time.” Knowing: “It is Not Desire that Determines your Destiny, but Discipline (Ravenhill).” Because: “Love Just Must.” Cultural values that inflate your world.
Yes, I am tired today. And, No, I am not suggesting you fully imitate this one night of my life. For sure, I know and live many challenges. This only elevates the need for discipline.
Life is complicated. It tends to become more so, as we age, and add layers. Then suffering throws a ghost into our system. When it is tough, we will need more than feelings. If I was a still consistent reader, I would have given myself a pass on this occasion. There may be a time when I need a note from the Teacher, but too often we willingly accept an excuse. This is not for our good. Or His glory. And that really does matter.
Discipline is wisdom, which in accepting our proclivities and limitations, does not finally submit to this flesh, but empowers in a process, through the Spirit. This will super-charge life in the most mundane way. Remember: “A RELOVUTIONARY Life is about the Extraordinary God, Empowering Ordinary People, through the Mundane of Days, in Ways that Can Only Be Divinely Scaled.”
Make a plan. Follow through on a day. Press repeat through a week. Make it a double with a fortnight. Quadruple nearing a month. Then it has become a process. And don’t stop. No matter what.
It is now 10:00am.
Onward!
For the Fame of His Name