Putting The Private Disciplines Into Practice

 "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 Corinthians 9:24-27)

"Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."(1 Timothy 4:16)

In order to receive the prize we need to live with the attitude of the athlete who is actively involved in training. The athlete does not train because it is enjoyable or easy, but he trains because he has a consuming desire to win the prize. In the same way, we need to live our lives with the desire to do the Father's will burning in our hearts. In order to be all God wants us to be and to do all that God wants us to do, we need to consistently invest in the private disciplines? prayer, study, exercise, writing a journal. We do not practise these disciplines aimlessly, but with the knowledge that the private disciplines play a role in forming who we are, so that  will be all that the Father desires us to be.

That is the vision that we need to keep before us, just like an athlete dreams of the crowds of thousands who cheer him on as he crosses the finish line. However, understanding the principle of the private disciplines is far simpler than implementing them in our lives. If we truly desire to be effective leaders and leave a lasting legacy, we must do all we can to grow and develop. 

Take a moment to identify one activity that, if done regularly and consistently, would improve the quality and effectiveness of your ministry. Consider for a moment. If this activity would enhance your effectiveness, are you investing in this area regularly and consistently? What is it that prevents you from implementing it as a regular part of your life? What are the challenges that you would face in implementing the activity? How could you overcome these challenges?

As we identify some of these private disciplines, we can become motivated to make some changes in our lifestyle. In doing so, we must bear in mind the second and third learning principles: everything has a season, and start small. Lasting changes in our life are usually the result of a process and therefore cannot be rushed. It takes time to establish disciplines as a "˜habit' that is a regular feature of our lives, but as we make the small, regular investments in the process we will begin to reap the benefits of growth and development. For example, spending five minutes in prayer each day or prayerfully reading the Bible for ten minutes each day will develop our relationship with God. Implementing change is not an easy path to walk, but the journey can be greatly helped by the encouragement, support, coaching, and accountability of the small group.

Over the next studies we will be looking in more detail at the private disciplines that will be of lasting benefit in our personal and ministry development. These disciplines will be categorised into four areas: spiritual, mental, relational and physical disciplines. We will be looking at how we can invest in activities such as writing a journal, reading, prayer, exercise and developing positive relationships, in order to build our capacity as leaders.