Read Proverbs Chapter 23.
“ Apply yourself to discipline and listen to words of knowledge.” Proverbs 23:12
I recently came across a book on habits. “Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones” by James Clear. The inspiration for this book began in the author’s sophomore year of highschool when he was hit in the head with a baseball bat. It was the last day of school. A classmate was up to bat, he took a full swing, the bat slipped out of his hands and hit him directly between the eyes. As a result, his brain swelled, he had to have a coma induced to preserve his life. Months of rehab lay ahead of him. Baseball was no longer an option according to the doctors.
But not according to him.
He was determined to play baseball again. After long months of rehabilitation he went out for varsity the following year and was cut. He did manage to make the team his senior year, but didn’t have much playing time. He never gave up, no matter how hard the fight. He was determined to play ball in college. He managed to make the team, but he knew unless things changed drastically he would never play.
That’s when he learned the power of habits.
While everyone else was out partying, he went to bed early and developed good sleep habits. He kept his dorm room clean as a way to get his life in order. He made exercise a habit, lifting weights several times a week. He developed strong study habits. As a result, by his senior year, not only was he a starting player, he was named ESPN Academic All-American, and had broken 8 different records.
All because of his habits. He defines habit as a “routine or behavior that is performed regularly.” I call it discipline. Small changes that over time cause amazing results. This group has been teaching you discipline. It’s a small habit of checking in with God each day, connecting with other believers, reading His word that will result in God sized changes. Changes you can’t even imagine at this point in your life.
God notices the discipline you’re developing, it won’t go to waste. Before you know it, you’ll be the one starting the game, collecting the rewards, breaking the records.
