Have you ever wondered what sets apart those Christians who seem to radiate a serene sense of purpose and those who struggle to keep their spiritual compass in check?
It’s not just about what they do; it’s equally about what they choose not to do.
I’ve spent some time reflecting on the habits of some of the most disciplined Christians I know—friends, family, and mentors—and I’ve noticed they all steer clear of certain behaviors that could derail their faith journey.
Let’s dive into eight things disciplined Christians will never, ever do. These are not just random don’ts but deeply considered choices that help them stay aligned with their values and their faith.
1) Compromise their beliefs
Faith is as solid as it gets.
It’s unwavering, steadfast, a rock that stands firm in the face of winds and waves. For disciplined Christians, it’s not just about believing in God, but living out their faith in their day-to-day lives.
That’s why there are certain things they just won’t do. Ever.
One significant thing? They will never compromise their beliefs. Not for convenience, not for social acceptance, not even for personal gain.
Their faith is uncompromising and unyielding in every circumstance. It is their guiding force, the beacon that lights their way in the darkest of nights.
If you’re a disciplined Christian, your beliefs are your moral compass.
2) Forget the Sabbath
My Sundays are sacred.
As a disciplined Christian, I take the concept of Sabbath very seriously. It’s more than just a day off from work, it’s a day of rest, worship and family.
I remember back when I was just starting out in my career, I was offered a high-profile project which required me to work on Sundays. The money was good, the exposure even better. But I had to turn it down.
Why? Because honoring God comes first. Always.
Remembering the Sabbath and keeping it holy isn’t just a vague suggestion, it’s one of the Ten Commandments.
To me, it’s not just about following rules, but about honoring God and showing gratitude for His blessings.
So no matter how busy life gets, no matter how tempting the offer, disciplined Christians will never forget the Sabbath.
3) Neglect prayer
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose track of time and forget the little things. But disciplined Christians never neglect prayer.
Prayer isn’t just a ritual for them, it’s a lifeline, a personal conversation with God. They believe in the power of prayer, its ability to comfort, to heal, to bring peace.
You might find this intriguing – according to a Pew Research Center study, 55% of Americans say they pray every day. Disciplined Christians are definitely part of this percentage.
Whether it’s a quick prayer before a meal or a lengthy heartfelt plea in the quiet of the night, prayer is never neglected.
4) Ignore the needy
It’s in human nature to look out for oneself, but when it comes to disciplined Christians, they take the teachings of Jesus to heart, especially the parts about loving your neighbor.
Whether it’s a friend struggling with a personal issue or a stranger on the street who hasn’t had a meal in days, disciplined Christians won’t just walk on by. They can’t. It’s not in their nature.
They’ll stop, reach out, offer help in any way they can because that’s what their faith teaches them – to love unconditionally and give generously.
Even if the world turns a blind eye, disciplined Christians never ignore the needy. It’s their way of showing God’s love in action.
5) Disrespect others
I’ve always believed in the golden rule – treat others how you would like to be treated. It’s a principle that’s deeply ingrained in my faith as a disciplined Christian.
But it goes beyond mere politeness or basic decency. For me, it’s about seeing the image of God in every person, no matter who they are or where they come from.
Whether it’s the cashier at the grocery store, the new intern at work, or even someone who has wronged me, I strive to treat them with kindness, patience, and respect.
I find that even in difficult situations, this approach not only reflects well on my faith but also brings peace and harmony.
As disciplined Christians, we know that everyone deserves respect because we’re all created in God’s image.
6) Shy away from questions
Faith is meant to be questioned. It’s a journey of constant learning and growth, not a destination where all the answers are readily available.
Disciplined Christians don’t shy away from questions, even the tough ones. Doubts, uncertainties, dilemmas – they’re all part of the journey.
Rather than seeing these questions as threats to their faith, they see them as opportunities to deepen their understanding, to solidify their beliefs.
They’re not afraid to wrestle with their faith, to seek answers and question beliefs. Because in the end, it’s through these questions that their faith becomes stronger, more resilient.
It’s an unconventional approach that yields profound results.
7) Abandon their community
Community is at the heart of Christianity. It’s about being part of a larger family, a support system that shares faith, love, and even hardships.
Disciplined Christians understand the importance of this bond. They don’t abandon their community, not in times of joy and certainly not in times of distress.
They stand together, support each other, grow together in faith. Whether it’s through church gatherings, bible studies, or even simple acts of service, they’re always there for their community.
In their eyes, their community is not just a group of people, it’s a manifestation of God’s love.
8) Lose sight of God’s love
No matter what life throws at them, disciplined Christians never lose sight of God’s love.
It’s the foundation of their faith, the driving force behind everything they do.
Their conviction in God’s love remains unshaken, even in the face of challenges and adversities.
It’s their unwavering belief in this divine love that truly sets them apart.
Final reflections
Hopefully, if you’ve journeyed with me this far, you’ve gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be a disciplined Christian.
It’s more than just following rules or adhering to religious rituals. It’s about living a life that reflects God’s love, embodies His teachings, and honors Him in every possible way.
Being a disciplined Christian is about having a firm belief, an unyielding faith, and an unwavering commitment to God and His principles. It’s about being in the world but not of the world.
As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” Disciplined Christians live by this – they take that leap of faith every day, trusting in God’s love and guidance.
So whether you’re a Christian or not, there’s something we can all take away from this – the power of conviction, the beauty of faith, and the strength in discipline.
A remarkable way to live life, isn’t it?
What would Jesus say?
Unsure whether to move on from a failed marriage? Struggling with desire and feeling guilty for it? Wanting to live a life Jesus would be proud of?
Let Jesus tell you how to be a good Christian according to the teachings of the Bible.
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