Disciplines Reveal Our Value

Anita Delene Manthe
Jun 25, 2017
2 min read

Most of us will plan our days to include those things which are most important to us. Before we take on new responsibilities or commit to social engagements we assess the dates and times to make sure there is no conflict. We prioritize to ensure those day to day essentials remain in place. This does not mean we can’t be flexible – we can. To enable our flexibility we plan our priorities. Planning allows for the important elements which enable our functioning to be fluid. They go with us where we go. We may travel, stay at home, or relocate – but the elements of our functioning remain constant. It is the constructed principles we live by that become our habits – our manner of life and living. It is who we are – who others will see us to be – our character, and what it says about us.

The disciplines we carve and construct into our days enables us to live out the importance of our values. Our disciplines shape us. What priorities and essentials – that inform the decisions and choices you make – do you need to accomplish every day to ensure you’re functioning correctly?

Although the amount of sleep we get, the time we rise, our diet, exercise, and work, are important considerations – they do reveal much of who and what we are, and what we believe in, I am referring to what informs the reason you do all of these things irrespective of your surroundings and life’s surprises? Our information sources are the enablers which allow us to adjust, change and be flexible. They keep us constant, anchored, in an ever changing environment.

Do you have disciplines in your day that allow your mind to be informed on how to live?
Is the source of your value – your information source – significant enough that you will discipline your time to ensure you are continually instructed, taught and nurtured?
If not, are you sure your moment by moment decisions and responses will remain principled?
What changes do you need to make in your day to ensure the way you think and act are governed correctly?
What is the reason you do the things you do?

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-2).
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:16-17).
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23).