Undisciplined

<<unruly, disobedient>>

An undisciplined person is disorganised, and lacks self-control, direction and commitment. They frequently have a shortsighted approach to life, squandering their time because they lack the motivation of a worthwhile goal and fail to submit to authority, or obey orders. They have not been subject to firm boundaries of acceptable behaviour;

Are their areas in my life that are undisciplined?

rather, because their self-nature has not been broken, they live self-centred lives, seeking to gratify their own desires, with little thought or concern for others and the long-term repercussions of their actions and seldom accomplish anything of significance (Eph 2:3; Phil 2:4,21).

Without clear leadership, there is a natural deterioration of standards with everyone doing right in their own eyes (Jdg 17:6, 21:25). What army wins a war without strict discipline, corresponding obedience and leadership? It is not pleasant to confront and deal with issues yet in the long-term it is better for everybody. Children in undisciplined households feel unwanted and unworthy. They lack direction and self-control, and as they get older they rebel and have little or no respect for any kind of authority, including God’s. Not receiving loving correction and discipline results in a spoilt, unruly child that will find life difficult as they grow up, struggling to submit to authority, and believing society is against them, besides bringing shame to their parents (Prov 22:15, 23:14, 29:15).

If we are not corrected, receiving no discipline, we are not truly loved. God disciplines us, His children, when we need it – for our good, and although unpleasant at the time it produces desirable qualities (Prov 3:12, 13:24; Heb 12:7-11). Pruning is necessary for a tree to remove disorderly growth and to fulfill its designated purpose of producing fruit, especially for abundant crops (Jn 15:2). The trials of life provide us with many opportunities to develop self-discipline.

Accountability is a means to becoming a disciplined person – being answerable to others and requiring it from others both require discipline. The parental role includes developing a child’s ability to manage themselves, moving increasingly from external controls to self-control. Without correction and guidance people are undisciplined and go their own way, resulting in their downfall. Eli failed to restrain his sons and they brought judgement upon the whole family (1 Sam 2:12,22-25, 3:13).

The only truly free person is a disciplined person. They are free to do right, for they are not dictated to by their fleshly desires, leading into sin. Self-imposed restraints are guidelines for successful living (Prov 5:22,23). Those who do not maintain a strong stand against the temptations of Satan will compromise and fall into worldliness.

Jesus said being undisciplined in our thought life, such as lustful desires of a sexual nature are just as sinful as the physical act (Mt 5:27,28). What measures will I take to bring my wandering and ungodly thoughts under control? "We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Cor 10:5). The

What areas will I address?

responsibility is on us not to be under the control of the 'before we met Christ' mindset. The old sinful ways are to be put off and replaced with the new ways that reflect the Kingdom of God (Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:5-10).