Self Discipline

051908

2 Chronicles 2:6 "But who is able to build a house for Him, for the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain Him? So who am I, that I should build a house for Him, except to burn incense before Him?

This is Solomon saying that he is going to build a house for the Lord to dwell in. But Solomon, in all his wisdom, realizes that no temple or house would be able to contain the Lord of all the Universe. Solomon knows that he isn't worthy for the things that God has called him to do. The only reason why Solomon feels like he should build a house for God is to burn incense before God. Literally, to burn incense it means to offer up in smoke. Solomon in 1 Kings 3:4 went to the pagan high places to offer his burnt offerings. But now, Solomon wants to worship His God alone. That is the only justification he has for why he should build the temple.

2 Thessalonians 3:7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you,

Paul is writing to the Thessalonians, encouraging them to do the work that God has set for them. There are believers in Thessalonia who are looking like busybodies, but not really working for what they are reaping. To carry out what is commanded to you is all that is required. There is self discipline involved for this. It is the key to righteousness.

I have to carry out what God is calling me to do, instead of looking like I'm a busybody. Who am I that I should carry out the work of the Lord, but to worship Him? If the things that I do, do not bring honorable, righteous, loving sacrifice, then I shouldn't do it. Those sacrifices given begrudgingly are no good. They are gross to the Lord. I want to be a good dwelling place for Jesus. If there is any junk inside of me, I need to clean it out. Jesus, the King of Kings, dwells within me. I need to keep my heart clean. How do I keep a clean heart? I need to practice self discipline. Maybe I need to start a routine for exercise. Or I need to be disciplined in my snacking habits. I need to use self discipline more, so that I do not fall into temptation. I can do it. Jesus is in me and He is helping me through it.

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your word. I thank You for Jesus. Jesus, I thank You for Your sacrifice. I thank You for dwelling within me. Lord, I am unworthy to be called a Christian, but You have chosen me. Lord, I ask that You forgive me of my sins. Lord, please help me to be more self disciplined. Lord, may all my works be a result of my calling. I don't want to be a busybody, Lord. I love You and I offer my life to You again today. Take it and make something beautiful of it. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.