fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2, New International Version)
The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:17, New International Version)
Theme: The Wisdom of Discipline
Title: Discipline and Delay
Reflection:
Very often, being disciplined translates to delaying some perceived benefit. For example, in the financial world, successful investors make wise trade-offs between current consumption and saving/investing for the future. In the spiritual realm, the wisdom of delaying a benefit for the cause of Christ is frequently captured in the Bible.
Our Scripture passages for today highlight the trade-off between instant satisfaction of a desire and delayed greater joy. In these verses we see submission (i.e., yielding to God’s mission) and trust (i.e., the calm assurance that God has good things in store for us) leading to joy. When our focus is on God’s mission we are motivated to be disciplined even if it means delaying certain pleasures and “enduring the cross.”
I am conscious of the fact that sometimes delay is used as a tactic to avoid necessary action. That is not the kind of delay we are addressing here. We are considering the kind of delay that submits our desires to God’s plans – the kind of delay that understands that “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31, King James Version)
There is a quote from Abraham Lincoln that I believe beautifully captures this concept of discipline and delay: “Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.” Do we want God most?
Conclusion:
There are many things that our flesh tells us we must have or do immediately. When these temporal desires are not aligned with God’s mission, discipline is required and the result can be delayed gratification. Are there any Scripture passages that inspire you to trust God even if your choice results in hardship for a while? I would love to hear from you.
Contributor: Norman Christie
March 28, 2025 at 3:04 am
My life verse : Proverbs 3:5-6:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This verse encourages complete reliance on God, even when your own understanding leads to uncertainty or hardship.
March 28, 2025 at 5:05 am
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12
This verse reminds me of the importance of patience and endurance, and the reward of everlasting life.
March 28, 2025 at 5:35 am
”Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
This verse reminds me to put my entire faith in God as He is always with me through any obstacles or hardships I may encounter. It encourages me to continue to trust in God’s plan through it all!
March 28, 2025 at 10:02 am
“With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.”
Psalms 108:13 NIV
This verse helps me to understand that when waiting for God’s reply to my prayer requests, waiting patiently is important.
This verse reminds me that David prayed not merely for rescue, but for victory. With God’s help we can claim more than mere survival-we can claim victory! God can use your distress as an opportunity to show his mighty power.
March 28, 2025 at 9:19 pm
Psalm 37:4 “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” This verse reminds me to obey God and I’ve learned he changes my desires to align with his perfect will.