May 11

Discipline or Distraction?

Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.

1 Timothy 4:7 (NAS)

Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness.

1 Timothy 4:7 (NLT)

They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers.

Acts 2:42 (NKJV)


Distractions are a reality of life. Lately, my distraction has been money and investments. The hype of Wall Street and the hounding of financial gurus who "want to make you rich” sing to my heart like sirens on a rocky shore. The attraction quickly moves to obsession and then to addiction. How sad to think how I easily I can set myself on their course.

To pull myself free, I need what the first century believers had: discipline … and each other. They continued steadfast and they did it together.

I will disengage from the hours spent reading investment sheets, analyzing stocks and fretting over buying and selling. Instead, I will spend my time and energy in using and developing the spiritual gifts God has given me.

Will you pray for me to continue steadfast, to spend my time wisely? And what about you? Can we pray for you?

What’s your distraction?


Lord, help us to share our burdens. Help us to focus on You. Amen.