Discipline and Commitment

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Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Cor 9:24-27)

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Cor 10:5)

Been listening to Pastor Benny Ho's series of sermons titled "Service Fit for a King". 2 of the sermons dealt with the crucial areas of Discipline and Commitment in our service of our God.

To sum up, I believe the key lesson is this:

Commitment & Discipline is about deciding to do the right thing in all areas of our lives regardless of our feelings and circumstances.

Personally, this is something I have always believed in. It is my guiding principle in life since I came to know Him. And at this time in my life, I need to come back to this truth once more.

Physically and emotionally, I must admit that I am not in the best shape right now. I just came back from the States last week, working 12-18 hr days. The 24 hrs travel time drains me too. I came home having to look after the kids immediately for the next 3 days because my wife needed to travel. This on top of coming home to a full work load in the office, teleconferences during unearthly hours, church and ministry responsibilities. To top it off, I have not been sleeping well.

And with the Ed Silvoso seminar & 100K campaign fast approaching and my business planning cycle hitting full steam in late-July to late-August, it is going to be hectic for the next 50 days.

Honestly, there are times when I am not looking forward to the next 2 months.

I am tired. It is a fact. I won't deny it. And like it or not, spiritual warfare gets intense during times like these. I constantly have to stand firm against negative thoughts the evil one hurls at my weary mind...all the more as we begin to step into the 100K campaign.

I believe it is times like these that our level of discipline & commitment is shown up for what they really are. Should I choose to listen to my body and my emotions? If so, I would have chosen the following:

Take a long break. Go sip my pina colada under a coconut tree in a exotic resort somewhere. Dump my work, my ministry and the kids and family for a good 2 months or so. The 100k campaign can wait. I want a long rest. Have not taken a good long rest in my 15 years of ministry. It is about time I do so. I think I deserve it.

But deep inside, I know I will not do that. Simply because it is NOT the RIGHT thing to do at this time. I have been around long enough to know that the 100K is the call of God. I need to answer that call. My spiritual family is counting on me to make up the army of God for a time like this. Desertion is not an option. The folks at my workplace need me to bring God's blessings to them. They also count on me for many things pertaining to work. Turning my back on them is not an option. My family and kids need me to lead and set an example. Acting irresponsibly is not an option. Above all. I need to to answer to my Heavenly Father. Suppressing my conscience and not walking in obedience... nope...no way.

Not only will I obey, I will, by the grace of God, stand strong. I will remember God's Word shared with us through my spiritual father Pastor YC:

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1 Tim 1 :5)

I will be steadfast, I will not drag my feet through this, I will serve and bless with a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith, asking God for genuine love and compassion and a shepherd's heart. I will ask for strength to overcome, and joy to accompany me, and that true delight will follow the choice of discipline and commitment.

And guess what? I really believe I will be tremendously blessed because I choose to obey.
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