Ignore Distractions...Be Thankful... Discipline Brings Success

Ignore Distractions

 

Matthew 17:8

Our own flaws can distract us from keeping our eyes on Jesus. If we think too much about what is wrong with us, we will forget what God can do through us. If we look too much at what we lack, we will forget to be thankful for what we have.

 

The Bible says to look away from all that will distract us from focusing on Jesus (see Hebrews 12:2). If your faith begins to waver, quickly get your eyes on Jesus, who is the Source of your faith and the Incentive for your belief. Remember how He endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame of it, for the joy of winning you to Himself. He promises to bring your faith to maturity and perfection.

 

Be Thankful

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

Be thankful for everything, and be careful not to quench the Holy Spirit by complaining, or you will lose your joy. You can be glad-hearted no matter what your circumstances are.

 

Renew your mind to God’s ideals and attitude (see Romans 12:2). If you spend time in God’s presence, you will think differently about yourself, and about the people around you. You will have the mind of Christ, and be full of His love.

 

Discipline Brings Success

 

Deuteronomy 4:29

Proverbs 5:23 says that a person “will die for lack of discipline and instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he will go astray and be lost.” That doesn’t necessarily mean that a person will die immediately, but a lack of discipline leads toward deathly situations.

 

God puts a desire in us to seek Him. But we have to discipline ourselves to seek Him. We can become too passive waiting for God to initiate a relationship with us. If you want to have a successful life, discipline yourself to see God every day.

 

Balance Life

 

Psalm 94:12-13

A person who is lazy and passive is not happy. A passive person is someone who wants something good to happen, but who just sits still and waits to see if it does. Successful people live disciplined lives.

 

First Peter 5:8 says, “Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times.” The devil would like you to go overboard in some area, but stay steady and God “will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you”.