From the Desk of Melissa Reinert… 

“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.” Proverbs 28:19

A few weeks ago, we talked a little bit about Discipline vs. Default.

Let’s review: Default is our impulsive or auto-pilot response. The result is stagnation. Default is easy and resistant. It is folly. Check out Proverbs 5:23; 12:23 and 14:8.

Discipline, however, is intentional. It’s on purpose. Discipline is faithful to God’s Word. It also involves building skill for the life you want. Check out 2 Timothy 3:16; Proverbs 5:23, 12:1 and 3:10-20; Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 9:27 and Titus 1:8.  

Ask yourself and answer honestly: How do I respond to most situations, especially stressful ones?

We typically respond in one or two ways: Discipline vs. Default. Picture your reaction as one of either above or below an imaginary line Discipline/Default.

Are you living above or below the line?

Where does your typical behavior dwell? Do you need to make changes to reach your goals and objectives? You must be willing to change and do the work, even when it’s hard, to achieve the outcomes you desire.

Think of Proverbs 28:19, if you work the land, then you will have an abundant crop. The key, do the work. You must work the soil, water it, nourish it. That’s the only way you will yield.

This applies to every situation of our lives. Do we want our relationships to grow and flourish? We must work at them; work on ourselves – put in the time and effort. Do we want that promotion? Well, show up to work on time; do the tasks you’re given now well. Do we want to grow strong in the Lord? Well, walk along side Him. Pray, read His word, serve. It takes intentional effort.

Putting forth intentional effort requires discipline, living above the line.

It’s your choice to learn and to grow spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally. It’s a process that is slow, small, and daily. You must be intentional and stretch your resiliency muscle. Go. Rise above.