No matter how far I go...

Discipline: 

1. To punish or penalize for the sake of enforcing obedience and perfecting moral character

2. To train or develop by instruction and exercise especially in self-control  

 

Running requires discipline. Probably more in the sense of the second definition above concerning developing and exercising self-control. It takes discipline to get out of bed to run, it takes discipline to run when the weather is awful, it takes discipline to keep running when the pain comes. 

 

Life also requires discipline, especially for those who have been saved by Christ. I used to consider myself a very disciplined person, mostly because that is how people described me. However, somewhere in the last four years of my life I lost my discipline. I let go. I was fooled by the beautiful mirage of the world, deceived by its lies. In losing my discipline, I compromised, I believed lies, I let my emotions lead me. This happened in various areas of my life, one of which led to an eating disorder. Every single place I lost discipline in I have regrets. My lack of discipline was lack of obedience to the Lord. Sometimes I think...maybe if I run far enough I can escape the emotions in my heart. Maybe if I run long enough I can forget the regrets which fill my soul. But I can't. I will suffer the consequences for my decisions I have made, I will never get back things which I have lost. However, I CAN choose to be disciplined again. I will not be fooled by the lies of this world any longer, for I know what promises to be satisfying only leaves you empty and full of shame. 

 

So I am picking back up and renewing those principles, truths, and commitments that once made me who I was. That held me in obedience before the Lord. I will do everything possible within my grasp (and with God's help) to avoid compromise, to be disciplined. I will take to heart the warning which I ignored before, "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" 1 Corinthians 10:12. God has shown me my lack of discipline and obedience. Despite what I have done, he has got my attention. As I wrote in my latest song (which you are all probably tired of hearing...haha) "No matter how far I go, You will bring me home."

Let us be disciplined not only in our running, but in our lives!

Add: 14.5 running