Discipline

No one seems so undisciplined as the people around you after you have imposed a bit of discipline.  Suddenly the contrast is surprising, maybe even shocking.  But if we aren’t careful this will breed  pride in the heart.  It may help to keep in mind that this undisciplined lot was your happy home just a short time prior, and very likely for a long stretch of time.

It’s ok to celebrate a discipline that is producing a quality outcome, but we must be careful not to do so at the expense of “the chumps” who haven’t wised up yet.  Humility can and should mount a strong defense around our hearts so that we can make and keep / maintain progress from discipline.  Part of being a good example is doing so in ways that aren’t unnecessarily confrontational or offensive to those who observe.

An example rooted in pride very likely will pass pride on as the primary payload, no matter what we are trying to demonstrate in particular.  God save us.