Daily Reflections on Phil. 4:8-9 (An Undisciplined Life)

You are what you eat. That’s what I’ve been told by those who know. I really don’t want to think about it. It’s hard to picture myself as a burrito or pizza or big juicy hamburger. There are plenty of things that I shove in my face that are no doubt unhealthy for me. I eat it anyway. And that’s probably why my scale says, “One at a time please,” when I step on it and my doctor hands me blood pressure and cholesterol drugs.

I live such an undisciplined life. I used to exercise or play sports virtually every day. Now I watch sports in a prone position and the only exercise I get is my regular walks to the fridge. I’ve built up quite a bicep on my right arm from opening and closing the fridge door. My thumb is sleek, toned, agile and well conditioned from punching buttons on the remote.

I’d like to say that I’m disciplined in other areas of my life. However, one quick glance at my office with stacks of papers, folders and stuff strewn from one end to the other would tell a different story.

In athletics I learned that the hardest thing to get into shape and keep conditioned was my mind. It wandered a lot. It got distracted and lost focus. It got tired and wanted to take a break. Concentration, keeping my head in the game 100% of the time was a huge challenge.

Actually, that’s the problem for me in most areas of life. Things, people, events, crises, circumstances, change ups, fastbreaks, other talent, rare opportunities, special moments, you name it, all sorts of things grab my attention and cause me to redirect my focus or let down, or become confused. The area of my mind that gets totally lost in the shuffle of life is my spiritual focus. Everything else seems to consume my thoughts and energy.

Paul’s closing exhortation in Philippians is about focus. He says to zero in on the things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy. Then put into practice what you’ve seen, heard or experienced in these regards.

God, I realize that most my turmoil, frustration, stress and failure come from focusing on the wrong things. I get so distracted so easily. I’m trying each day to change my thinking to your way of thinking. The more I do, the more I experience your peace in my life and a greater peace with others.