As human beings, we are called by God to do hard things. We are called to be disciplined; full of integrity and truth. In a day and age where “self” is elevated to the highest point in life—made to be “godlike,” if you will—this can be a difficultly. We tend to seek out the path of least resistance. Whatever is easiest and causes us the least amount of discomfort.

As a former strength and conditioning coach with an emphasis in sports psychology, I understand what it takes to be a good athlete. Good athletes are the ones who can tolerate a large amount of discomfort. Those who, when met with an uncomfortable situation, will take the path of resistance with the knowledge that they are building discipline and mental fortitude. Building these skills are important to the success and well being of an athlete. It is no wonder St. Paul uses a sports analogy when describing the Christian life. We are called to run the RACE with endurance. To run a race and to fix our eyes upon Christ requires building discipline.

In examining my own life, I have been convicted about the lack of discipline that I exude in particular areas of my life. I recognize these areas as contributing to a failure to run the race as well as I know God has called me to. One of these areas is in reference to my sleep schedule. I’m a big proponent of smacking the alarm clock and snoozing it, sometimes—and I’m being vulnerable here!—for up to an hour past what I set it. After that, it is a slow journey from getting up to actually getting ready for the day and beginning the tasks I have prepared for the day.

My lack of engaging in discomfort has led to me starting my day undisciplined. How many other areas of my life lack this same discipline because of my weakness in getting up on time?

In talking to a close friend and confidant, we expressed and sought to identify the multiple areas of our lives that we believe have not been taken captive and made obedient to Christ. We then encouraged one another to pick ONE of those particular areas we desire to see more discipline, and to commit to one another to be intentional about building discipline in that area. Once we feel this has been achieved, we will touch base, and find another area we would like to have more discipline and integrity in.

First on my list: waking up on time and NOT snoozing my alarm. This is an area I prioritize comfort over responsibility. This is an area that must change because it sets the tone for my whole day. My friend shared his own area where discipline is lacking, and we vowed to keep one another accountable with specific goals.

For my part, I have committed—weekends aside—to wake up at 4:30am every morning. Today was the first day doing that. As soon as my alarm went off, I climbed out of bed and texted my friend “I’m up” to verify my commitment to what I had said I would do.

Today was uncomfortable. Even as I write this morning devotion—it’s a little after 5am now—my body is screaming that I should go back to sleep. It’s dark. My bed is warm. However, I know that in order for me to submit my life to Christ, this was an area that I needed to grow in.

Learning to grow in discomfort for the sake of integrity is a worthy pursuit. Especially for the men reading this: we live in a world that calls us to absolutely NO standard. It is easy to fall into that trap and begin living in that feminized version of masculinity. Our Lord calls us to a higher standard. For the sake of our wives, families, and our own sanctification.

Where do you lack discipline? Work ethic? Sexual impurity? Gluttony? Sleeping in, like me? Find it. Identity it. And take steps to make it obedient to Christ.

P.S. - Now that I’m waking up this early, daily devotions will be out during this time during the week, before the rest of the world is awake here in AZ. Be blessed!