For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. ~ Hebrews 12:11 (ESV)

Living a life of self-discipline isn't easy. It often requires planning and forethought. If I want to pray four times a day I better set aside time for it or my time will slip away. If I want to pray four times a day I may not be able to do other things I would enjoy. The time I spend praying in the morning is time that I am not spending catching up with my friends on Facebook or sleeping in. Catching up with my friends on Facebook is pleasant and even important, but when I pray instead I make the choice that praying is more important at that time.

The author of Hebrews tells us that discipline might actually be painful in the moment, but will eventually yield great benefits. Our lives can be shaped and changed by self-discipline. Since I have been spending more time in prayer I can more easily see God in the every-day experiences of life.

There are days I would much rather sleep-in than get up to pray. Sometimes I do sleep-in! But more often I get up and pray because I know that the momentary pain will be outweighed by the long term benefit.

I've shared a couple of things that tempt me away from self-discipline: Facebook and sleep! What are some things that tempt you away from your self-disciplines? Why do you persevere? If you would like to be more self-disciplined what is one thing you might have to give up?