Principles for Living

[Michael J Masiko]

Principles for Living a Disciplined Life
from Pastor John MacArthur

1. Begin with Small Things ~ it’s the little things that make for the big successes. They may not be important in themselves, but Jesus said, “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much” (Luke 16:10).

2. Clean Your Environment—start with your desk and room. Learn to be discontent with a mess. Leave a place better than you found it, never worse.

3. Make a Schedule—learn to anticipate things and plan accordingly to make things go smoother for everyone concerned.

4. Wean Yourself Off from Being Entertained—learn to be productive when you find yourself with extra time. Read something worthwhile, have an edifying conversation, take a walk with someone …

5. Be on Time—order your universe so you can arrived clothed and in your right mind! Being on time as a habit communicates volumes about how seriously you regard your work and the people you work with.

6. Keep Your Word—even in small matters. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Learn to accurately evaluate your time, talent, and resources. The only way to do that is to discipline yourself.

7. Do the Hardest Task First—that keeps it from remaining undone, and you from becoming a procrastinator.

8. Finish What You Start—making that commitment helps you not to be hasty in committing yourself to something you shouldn’t be, but also not to be a quitter once you’ve made the commitment.

9. Practice Self Denial—show yourself who’s boss! Prove to yourself you can say no when you want to and that you don’t live at the whim of impulse.

10. Volunteer for Tasks—this helps you grow as a person, and requires that you’ve learned to leave space in your life. It also requires that you’ve developed enough order in your life to know when and how you are available to serve others.

[Cat]

Thanks for the post!