NIV Leadership Bible Reading PlanSample

Self-Discipline

The apostle Paul understood the importance of discipline. In this passage he emphasized that as followers of Christ our spiritual lives form the core of our character. As we spend time in the disciplines of the spirit, we're to be like runners or boxers. During the course of a race, runners don't stagger from one lane or another. They rivet their attention on the finish line and run a disciplined race toward it. So also boxers train with purpose so they can absorb powerful blows without falling down. They build up their physical stamina so that their legs with hold out for the final rounds.

Paul trained for his daily spiritual journey like a world-class athlete. Why? Because he wanted to have the self-control to finish the race without being disqualified. Godly leaders need to cultivate this same kind of spiritual fitness. Doing so can and will affect other areas of leadership life – how we treat others, where we go for answers to major decisions, and the skills we use in accomplishing our daily tasks.

If you want to be an effective leader, identify the habits you need to build into your life so can lead with diligence – habits such as physical fitness, balance between work and home, financial and personal accountability, proactivity in the workplace and the like. Lace up your shoes and get going. Disciplined habits will give you the momentum you need, not only to move forward, but also to run your earthly race with strength and purpose. Read this passage again to see how this amazing man disciplined his life so magnificently that he became God's champion.