Discipline Yourself. Live Longer.

A recent CNBC online article states the that number of people living to be 100 years old has doubled in the past decade.

The article states that many who reach this milestone often credit their positive attitude for their longevity.

103 year old Roslyn Menaker told The Guardian that “happiness, joy, appreciation … a positive outlook,” are why she has lived so long

However, a former professor of personality psychology at the University of Notre Dame, David Watson says, “I think the effects of just being positive are overstated.” He opines there are many other factors linked to longevity. Among them he suggests that being disciplined or conscientious is the most related to longevity.

“Conscientious people don’t do stupid things so they have lower rates of accidents and better health behaviors,” Watson says.

Self-discipline has always been connected to success in every area of life, whether, sports, business, or education. Leadership gurus say that the common denominator of every success person is self discipline. Jim Rohn put it this way, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”

Furthermore, discipline is related to discipleship. To Christian commitment. To mental, moral, emotional and spiritual maturity.

The apostle Paul compared the Christian life to the rugged training of an Olympic athlete who disciplines himself as he trains for competition. “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:27).

Discipline in the Bible is also described as self control, sober mindedness, and temperance. The Bible teaches that disciples of Christ discipline their mind, emotions, and habits.

Disciplined thinking compels us to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). That leads us to think on things that are true. Honorable. Just. Pure. Lovely. Commendable. Excellent. Praiseworthy. And virtuous (Phil. 4:8). A well disciplined life must begin with getting a grip on our thoughts.

Disciplined Disciples are conscientious about controlling their emotions. Issues dealing with “bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking” reflect a failure to discipline our emotions. The Bible says we ought to get rid of these sinful feelings (Eph. 4:31). Lusts of the flesh also fall into the same category. When we discipline ourselves to crucify the desires of the flesh and are led by the spirit of God, our lives will be happier, joy filled, and contented.

Disciplining our mind and emotions leads to disciplined habits. Ingrained habits forge and form personality and character. Rob Gilbert said, “First we form our habits, then our habits form us.” Bad habits often are learned by keeping bad company (1 Cor. 15:33). Those with whom we associate can and do impact our attitudes, actions, and eventually, habits.

The CEV translates Ephesians 4:22, “give up your old way of life with its bad habits.” Habits that involve neglect, procrastination, laziness, indifference, worry, complaining, blaming others, and a failure to take personal responsibility for your life, will definitely affect your quality of life, if not your longevity.

Spiritual disciplines that will improve your life are not limited to but include Bible study, prayer, worship, fellowship, stewardship, ministry, discipleship, and godliness.

Of course, a spiritually disciplined disciple may not live to be 100. There are, as Watson indicated, many factors involved in living a long life. However, if you want to live eternally with the Father in heaven, discipline yourself, as did the apostle Paul.

Ken Weliever, The Preacherman