I know some really disciplined people. I know a lot more who are like me, with plenty of areas that could use a bit more discipline. As a former type 1 diabetic, the beginning of this verse is very easy for me to understand. If I didn’t discipline my sugar and carbohydrate intake, I wouldn’t have lasted very long. Thankfully, a transplant a number of years ago set me a bit free from the immediacy of that struggle. However, if in my newfound freedom I don’t still practice a degree of discipline, I will still suffer the consequences. The most self-disciplined people I know will still tell me they have areas that need tightening up. I once heard Tim Tebow say he hasn’t eaten a simple carbohydrate in many years. That is not me. I don’t want it to be me. Solomon’s point is that the undisciplined life, most importantly in spiritual areas, will lead to death. It actually leads to sin, whose outcome is death. This form of discipline is often harder than adding exercise, watching our language, or avoiding carbs. We battle the powers of darkness and Satan’s minions when we battle spiritual weakness. Apart from the Holy Spirit’s power, it cannot be done, but with Him and God’s truth in us, we can accomplish anything He wants us to. Another Tebow fact is that he championed the verse about doing all things through Christ throughout his career. Today, accept and cherish God’s correction. #BeTheEdge
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 NIV
