Success Secrets From Jesus – Day 3 – Discipline

On day 2, we discussed how preparation is key to be able to stand the test which decides whether we are promoted or we spend more time in the wilderness. Now, we must examine the traits required while being tested.

SELF-CONTROL

Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
—Matthew 4:3–4

The test Satan uses to confront Jesus after 40-days of fasting is brilliant in its simplicity. Satan knew that Jesus must have been hungry after 40-days of no food. He knew that Jesus’ flesh was crying out for some nourishment. So he asked Jesus if to use His power to turn stones into bread. In other words, He wanted to see if Jesus was going to use His powers to gratify His human desire (flesh) at His point of weakness or if He could practice self-denial.

Here is why this is test is so important: Satan knew if Jesus could not deny himself food (his human wants) at the beginning of His ministry, He would not be able to deny himself the human want of running away from the pain and suffering which was to come on the cross at the end of His ministry.

The first test was to see if Jesus was prone to self-gratification; it is was to see if Jesus would satisfy His fleshly desire.

Destiny Requires Self-Control
Just as Jesus exercised control over His flesh, we must stay self-controlled in order to stay on course toward our goal. We cannot give our attention to every whim. We must discipline ourselves so we do not allow our penchant for instant gratification to derail us. Discipline is necessary to achieve progress in life.

Imagine what would happen if we denied ourselves an extra hour of sleep and instead used it to workout? How about we cut out an hour of television in order to spend it with our loved ones? What if we all took the time to build ourselves up spiritually in the morning prior to tackling the day’s duties—how great would the our world be?

There is no success without constancy of purpose, and there is no consistency without self-control. 

Check out Looking to Superman – The secret to success in life on superchampinc for more practical tips the life of Jesus teaches us on being successful.