SUCCESS at the SOULs EXPENSE

I was the most disciplined undisciplined person in the world. In academics, mom never had to remind me to study. Scholarly success was habitual. Homework done. Assignment complete. Test aced. Distinguished honors. I was disciplined to be the best student expected of me—though secretly complacent—I did enough to surpass my peers.In athletics, dad never had to remind me to train. Athletic success was innate. Gym time. Diet time. Game time. All-star honors. I was disciplined to be the best athlete required of me—though only self-satisfied—I did just enough to surpass all of my peers. Disciplined but undisciplined.From an exterior view, my life was one that many would desire; but if they had only saw the interior, and how it lacked real fire. Disciplined to the point that no one had to check up on my school or sport. They just knew that I would continue to do what I had to do, whatever the sort. But had they known that all that I was doing, was nothing more than going through the motions. Just doing enough to get by. Enough to be set on high.  Enough to make one think it was my discipline that had me receiving a “full ride.”  The problem however was how my full ride was an easy ride, and because it came easy, I did not appreciate the success at every level. I allowed my talents and abilities to be my camouflage, disguising me into academic accomplishments and athletic awards. Where did I go wrong?  What was I missing in these public promotions that led to a public humiliation?It’s simple. I was missing my private devotions. I was disciplined in the eyes of those that graded me, but in my lifestyle away from sport and school, I was undisciplined in the eyes of the One who created me. I was living the life of a hypocrite. Two faces--discipline and undisciplined--can’t co-exist. Public success but a private failure. A+ performances with an F- mentality.It all came crashing down because I failed to discipline myself where it mattered most. In the soul. In the inner depths of my man. I conformed to the world and the world contorted me. I know where I went wrong.  And this is the very reason I sing to the discipline of a different song. Habits and attributes formed by the Word. Values and visions imparted by the Lord. Success at the souls expense no more. What would it profit a man to be disciplined in the things of the world, but undisciplined in the truths of the Word? Don’t let it come to a reality check that has you finally checking out reality.