Living Disciplined: A Path to Joy and Abundance
Share
At Just Peachy, we believe that living with discipline is more than just keeping yourself in check—it’s an intentional way of life that honors God, strengthens your spirit, and empowers you to make a positive impact. Discipline brings immense rewards: clarity, joy, and a life that aligns with God’s will. Here’s how to cultivate a disciplined life in every area, from relationships to daily habits, as we pursue a God-centered life.
1. Rest and Recharge: Make Sleep Non-Negotiable
Getting eight hours of sleep is essential. Without rest, even simple tasks become difficult, and life can feel overwhelming. God calls us to steward our bodies well, and that includes proper rest. Why would you sacrifice sleep to squeeze more hours into your day when you spend those hours tired and underperforming?
"In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.” — Psalm 127:2
2. Commit to Excellence in All You Do
"How you do anything is how you do everything." This principle applies to work, relationships, and your spiritual life. Focusing on a few meaningful pursuits allows you to impact others and honor God more deeply. The quality of your output diminishes when you spread yourself too thin, so aim for excellence.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23
3. Act Beyond Feelings: Embrace Steady Decisions
Emotions are powerful but often unpredictable. Discipline involves making steady choices rooted in God’s wisdom rather than fleeting feelings. Many of our regrets stem from decisions made in emotional states, which can lead us down paths we don’t want to take.
"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” — Jeremiah 17:9
"A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.” — Proverbs 25:28
4. Take Responsibility for Your Life
Where you are today—your relationships, finances, health—is a reflection of your choices. No one else is going to fix your life; it’s your responsibility to nurture these areas. Discipline means taking accountability and trusting that as you work faithfully, God will bless your efforts.
"Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” — Galatians 6:4-5
5. Integrity in Your Words and Promises
Living with integrity means keeping your commitments. Your words should align with your actions, showing others they can trust you.
"Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” — Matthew 5:37
6. Shape Your Reality: Control Your Thoughts
Guard against negativity and intentionally frame thoughts positively. Most of our mental health struggles—like anxiety and depression—are warning lights, signaling that something deeper needs attention. It's crucial to explore these feelings rather than mask them with medication, as the drug industry often promotes.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” — Philippians 4:8
"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” — Proverbs 18:21
7. Feed Your Body, Nourish Your Spirit
Food isn’t just fuel; it’s a way to support emotional and mental wellness. Honor your body as God’s temple by choosing healthy foods that bring vitality and joy. Remember, over 90% of serotonin (the happiness chemical) is produced in your gut, so eating well can enhance your happiness.
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19
8. Embrace Minimalism: Choose Peace Over Excess
Living below your means brings freedom and peace, allowing you to help others and focus on God’s calling for you.
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” — Hebrews 13:5
9. Intentional Rest vs. Distraction
Rest is vital, but discipline means distinguishing between intentional rest and mindless distraction. Unintentional rest, like scrolling through social media, does not rejuvenate us. Instead, focus on activities that truly replenish you—like prayer, reading, or enjoying nature.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
10. Reframe Your Mindset: "I Get to Do This"
Shift your perspective from "I have to do this" to "I get to do this." This simple change can transform mundane tasks into opportunities for gratitude and joy.
11. Welcome Hardships as Growth Opportunities
Life is hard, but every challenge is an opportunity to grow and learn, especially when we trust God’s plans. Framing pain and tribulations as good can help you learn and strengthen your character.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” — James 1:2-3
12. Be Careful with Your Words and Self-Perception
Avoid speaking negatively over yourself, as your subconscious doesn’t know you’re joking. Articulate your thoughts clearly, as people perceive you based on how you express yourself.
"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” — Proverbs 18:21
13. Seek Guidance from Wise and Godly People
When seeking advice, look to people succeeding in those areas. Proverbs reminds us that wise counsel is invaluable. Surround yourself with mentors and resources that uplift and encourage your growth.
"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” — Proverbs 13:20
14. Base Hope in Your Faith
Hopelessness often stems from feeling stuck or lacking options, but God is the source of endless hope. With eight hours of sleep and a heart full of hope, burnout becomes nearly impossible.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 15:13
15. Hold Beliefs Openly and Learn from Others
Be open to challenges to your beliefs. Strong beliefs should withstand scrutiny, and everything you believe should always be subject to review against the Bible.
"The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” — Proverbs 14:15
16. Guard Against Influence of Media and Ungodly Messages
Discipline means filtering out what’s not aligned with God’s message. Be aware of the media you consume, as ungodly influences can seep into your mindset.
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:23
17. Build on Wisdom, Not Emotion
Relationships, businesses, and major decisions need a firm foundation. Disciplined choices based on Godly wisdom create stability. Avoid making important decisions while in an emotional state.
"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” — Proverbs 2:6
18. Income Tied to Value Provided
Your income reflects the value you provide to the world. Don’t expect to be compensated more until you’ve demonstrated greater value. If you want to learn how to make more money, ask those who are already financially successful.
19. Let Your Actions Reflect Excellence
Excellence speaks for itself. Let your actions be a reflection of your faith and commitment to God. Remember, don't talk about your excellence; let it shine through your work.
"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
20. Believe in Discipline Over Motivation
Motivation is temporary, but discipline is steadfast. Rely on discipline to stay on track, knowing that God rewards diligence and hard work.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” — Galatians 5:22-23
21. Live According to God’s Will, Not Man’s Pressure
Finally, remember that life is fleeting. Focus on fulfilling God’s purpose for your life rather than succumbing to society’s pressures.
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” — Matthew 6:33
Conclusion:
Living a disciplined life is a journey of faith and accountability. As you cultivate these habits, remember that each small step can lead to a significant transformation in your life, bringing you closer to God and enriching your journey. Embrace discipline as a pathway to an abundance of joy, knowing that every effort you make is an act of worship.