“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11 ESV).
Raise your hand if you feel like you check the box well when it comes to being marked by self-discipline.
Me neither.
That’s why I’m glad we’re praying it over our kids this week.
Self-discipline (or lack thereof) will impact every part of their lives, including dating relationships, finances, online accountability, marriage, physical health, and even their occupations.
The author of Hebrews (in perhaps the biggest understatement ever) reminds us that discipline isn’t fun in the moment, but it’s a key step on the pathway to righteousness.
The good news is that self-discipline isn’t just a matter of mustering up enough willpower. Rather, it’s a God-given perspective that the greater reward in waiting is better than the immediate temptation we’re facing.
Let’s ask God to give our kids the self-discipline to look away, walk away, or find a way to pass by anything that interferes with God’s highest goals in their lives.
Can’t wait to pray with you this week!
As parents, we know raising kids is the opposite of neat and tidy. Each day brings wins, losses and valuable lessons. Pardon the Mess is a place where we discuss parenting and faith in a biblical, approachable and relatable way. We may cry and laugh while we learn and grow together in our beautiful mess.
Follow Pardon the Mess on Instagram and Facebook!
Cynthia is a wife, mother, podcaster, blogger, and everyday girl who is committed to not taking herself too seriously. She hosts the popular MESSmerized podcast, and spends her days laughing, parenting, and praying for her family to chase after their God-sized dreams. Her first book, Life is Messy, God is Good, is available for pre-order now on Amazon!