January 16, 2023

Years ago I had the opportunity to go to a pastor’s conference at the Faith Dome in Los Angeles, California. Pastor Frederick K.C. Price had been a hero of mine and I was excited to learn and bring back some new ideas and fresh wisdom that would help Kim and I be more effective pastors and leaders.

Sure, it was inspiring to see the 5000 seat Faith Dome, walk around the finely manicured campus, review my notes underneath the palm trees, and browse through their massive church bookstore, but that’s not what I remember most. What was monumental and life changing for me were 6 little words that Dr. Price had said during his session. “DISCIPLINE,” he said, “is the strength of life.” I’m not sure why, but that phrase went off like a bomb in my spirit that day. Think about it—the world’s greatest athletes live a life of great DISCIPLINE. The world’s greatest musicians live a life of great DISCIPLINE. Most of our world’s great intellectuals have lived lives of great DISCIPLINE. I knew that if I was going to build one of the greatest churches in America with God’s help—it was going to take great DISCIPLINE.

"A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls."
— Proverbs 25:28

"To build a great organization, you need disciplined people, who engage in disciplined thought, and who take disciplined action. Then you need the discipline to sustain momentum over time.”
― Jim Collins

People use various words for discipline, including self-control, determination, grit, willpower, and fortitude. But I like to define discipline as the ability to control behaviors to avoid temptations and to achieve your goals. It’s the ability to delay gratification and resist unwanted behaviors or urges until you reach your desired outcome. There are many different talents, character traits, and ideas that people like to attribute their success to, but nothing will bring sustained success across all areas of your life (spiritual, physical, financial, relational, etc.) like DISCIPLINE.

Studies have even shown that people who are DISCIPLINED are more fulfilled and enjoy life. A Stress in America survey given by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that 27% of respondents identified a lack of willpower as the primary factor keeping them from reaching their goals. Another study by Dr. Willhem Hoffman discovered that people with better self-control are happier and healthier in the short term and in the long term. Dr. Angela Duckworth who wrote the New York Times Bestseller, “Grit” found out in regard to education, that self-control had more to do with good grades than I.Q. scores did. Kids that exhibited DISCIPLINE had higher grades and higher test scores.

Former Navy Seal, bestselling author, and podcast host Jocko Willink has a famous quote about DISCIPLINE. Jocko says, “DISCIPLINE Equals FREEDOM.” Now when you hear that it might leave you puzzled. “Pastor, wait a minute, when I think of DISCIPLINE I think less freedom, less options, less…fun.” Let me encourage you! What Jocko means is this: everyone wants freedom. They want more financial freedom. They want more free time. They want to be free of marriage problems, health problems, communication problems, but the way they are going to get there is through DISCIPLINE.

You want a better home life? You’re going to have to learn to say “No” to some things. You want to be debt free? You’re going to have to cut back in some areas. You want to be healthy? You’re going to have to abstain from the donuts. Legendary Leaders understand that by DISCIPLINING themselves they will find the freedom to achieve all that God has for them. 

Recommended Book:
Grit The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

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God is for You!
Pastor Blunt

COTR Marketplace Ministries is a ministry for those in the marketplace and those interested in starting a business. Lifelong learners, entrepreneurs, businessmen, and businesswomen, meet to grow in their leadership and skills. This is a great place to network, build relationships and exchange ideas!

Join us on February 25, 2023 at 5pm in the main campus lobby. We will have guest speaker, Michael Franzese, son of notorious Underboss of New York's violent and feared Colombo crime family. Michael's journey from the mob to prison to a brave new life, is a story that will inspire and bring hope and with a powerful lesson: No one is so bad that they can't be forgiven—life can begin again!

Dinner and childcare are included in the price of your ticket. Purchase your tickets online for just $12 or $15 at the door.