by Rick Warren
God does not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
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Successful people have one obvious trait in common: personal
discipline. They are willing to do things that average people are
unwilling to do.
It’s my observation that successful people express their self-discipline in six ways:
· Successful people master their moods. They live by their
commitments, not their emotions. They do the right thing, even when
they don’t feel like it. “A person without self-control is as
defenseless as a city with broken-down walls” (Proverbs 25:28 NLT).
· Successful people watch their words. They put their minds
in gear before opening their mouths: “Those who control their tongue
will have a long life . . .” (Proverbs 13:3 NLT).
· Successful people restrain their reactions. How much can
you take before you lose your cool? “People with good sense restrain
their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs” (Proverbs 19:11
NLT).
· Successful people stick to their schedule. If you don’t
determine how you will spend your time, you can be sure that others
will decide for you! “So be careful how you live, not as fools but as
those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good
in these evil days” (Ephesians 5:15-16 NLT).
· Successful people manage their money. They learn to live on
less than what they make, and they invest the difference. The value of
a budget is that it tells your money where you want it to go rather
than wondering where it went: “The wise have wealth and luxury, but
fools spend whatever they get” (Proverbs 21:20 NLT).
· Successful people maintain their health. That way they can
accomplish more and enjoy their achievements: “Control your body and
live in holiness . . .” (1 Thessalonians 4:4 NLT).
Now, where do you need to develop self-control?
The disciplines you establish today will determine your success
tomorrow. But it takes more than just willpower for lasting
self-control. It takes a power greater than yourself. Think about this
promise from the Bible: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and
timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT).
The more I accept God’s control over my life, the more self-control he gives me!
Rick Warren is the founding pastor of
Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif.,
one of America's largest and best-known churches. In addition, Rick is author of the New York Times bestseller
The Purpose Driven Life and
The Purpose Driven Church,
which was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th Century. He is also founder of
Pastors.com, a global Internet community for ministers.
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