1 Timothy 4:7 – “…Train yourself for Godliness”
We are starting a new blog series this week from the book “Disciplines of a Godly Man” by R. Kent Hughes.
If you have been a part of Upward Men for a while, you’ve been through this book at least once, maybe even twice. If you are newer or haven’t been to a meeting, we think you’ll find these blogs (and the book if you choose to purchase a copy) very fruitful in your relationship with God as a man.
The first chapter of the book talks about the why of discipline. Basically, it says that we will never get anywhere in life without discipline, and this is doubly true in spiritual matters.
When it comes to discipline (either spiritual disciplines or disciplines in our personal life) I think the most impactful quote I have heard came from Craig Groeschel when he said “We will all experience some form of pain in life and often times we get to choose the pain. Either the pain of discipline or the pain of regret”.
So when hearing that quote I can’t help but to ask myself the tough question…”What ‘pain’ am I willing to go through for closeness to God?” Basically, what am I willing to do that may be uncomfortable so I can gain the benefits of an authentic relationship with God?
Last night at our Upward Men meeting I challenged you guys to “intentionally pursue God”. To build your life on a strong foundation – because a real, authentic, fully-devoted life with God does not happen by accident or half-heartedly.
Some of you may think spiritual disciplines (reading the Word, praying, fasting, silence, worship, etc.) are simply legalistic activities that puts you under the law. I disagree. The difference between legalism and discipline is you're why. Legalism is self-centered; discipline is God-centered. Legalism says “I will do to gain God’s favor” but discipline says “I will do out of my love and devotion to God”.
Here is the beauty and the win of spiritual disciplines…it’s when the discipline becomes your desire. When you can’t wait to get up early and pray, read the Word, worship, rest and Sabbath, fast. You look forward to these things because of the fruit that it has brought and the devotion that you have.
So as we start this blog series, we will have a new discipline a week. I’d encourage you to read the blog, pray through them and ask yourself one question “How might God be asking me to develop this discipline in my life to strengthen my foundation and know Him more?”
I’d also encourage you men, if you don’t have a copy of this book, get one. Here is a link:
Read a chapter a week and follow along with us. Excited to see God work in our lives through these next several weeks.
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