Growth comes with discipline

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From the Pastor’s Pen – By Brian Horrobin

It has been said that ‘growth and comfort seldom ride the same horse.’

We often read stories of successful people, or see a documentary outlining their success, and then think, ‘I wish I could be lucky like that.’

I recently finished up another season coaching a cross country running team at a local elementary school.

I have learned over the years that students come in all shapes and sizes, and they also very widely differ in work ethic and commitment.

Some students, regardless of how much pushing and encouraging you give just cannot break the pain threshold to improve on their time.

Yet there are some who seem to thrive on doing a little extra at every practice and giving a maximum effort for the mean guy blowing the whistle (ah, that would be me!).

These latter students invariably do well on race day.

Sure, natural talent does play a bit of a role for some, but by and large success comes to those willing to push past their comfort zone into the painful sphere of growth.

That is called discipline.

Discipline is also important in the spiritual realm.

Hebrews 12:11 says, ‘No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.’

For some of you a starting point in the area of spiritual discipline may simply be willing to drag yourself out of bed on a Sunday morning to attend a service at church.

Hey, you have to start somewhere.

Maybe call a friend who will do this with you.

The hardest move is usually the first one, but it can be done.

Why not call that friend this week?


– Submitted photo

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