Maintaining good physical health does not come easy. We need a strong determination to structure our lives with discipline in areas of physical activity and healthy eating habits. Maintaining good spiritual health requires the same determination and application of discipline.

Paul wrote, “I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified” (1 Co. 9:27). In the context of leading others to Christ, Paul knew the challenges of aligning the example of our physical life with the truth of the gospel.

People need to see the message as well as hear it. How do we make this alignment possible? Two simple ideas:

Reflection: Each night, look back over the day and consider conversations, actions, attitudes, etc. Do they reflect what we want as an example of Christianity?

Correction: Do not make excuses, make changes. Each day is a new opportunity to start fresh and work on the areas of our conversations, actions, attitudes, etc.

A little forethought goes a long way in developing the right kind of discipline for spiritual health.