Connecting Mental and Spiritual Discipline

Hey, all, sorry that I took yesterday off.  Since we are on the theme of discipline, I realized that I needed to discipline myself in having a day to let my mind actually rest a bit.  But we're back on track today.

The connection between mental and physical discipline has been covered greatly in other arenas (I have to say that one of my favorite "quotes" is from the ever wise Yogi Bera, who said something along the lines that playing baseball is 90% mental, and the other half is physical.  Yogi's math continues to elude even me!).  Basically, a part of the rigor of physical discipline is to have the mental capacity to endure through it, to push yourself.

But what about mental and spiritual discipline?  That line hasn't been discussed so much.  Sure, there are books out there talking about the need for prayer, or to read the Bible, but overall, I would dare say that most of us don't make a clear connection with our mental and spiritual discipline.

My last post was about Jesus and how He does indeed care about how we think and what we think.  I want to add to that today with some words from Paul.  "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."  (Philippians 4:8)  It seems that Paul is directing the Philippians to think about those things in life which are in line with what God has revealed about Himself.  God is truth.  God is honorable.  God is just, and so on.  And so, when we see those reflections of God in this world, we are to think of them, because they guide us back to the God who created such things.  Spending our time thinking about fruitless, useless things serves only ourselves.

How well do you do in life with focusing on the things that reflect God in the world?  As you see those, do you think of the God who created such things in that way?  That's where the realm of mental discipline begins to interact with our spiritual discipline.  As we recognize God's hand, we are led to Him, giving thanks and praise for what He has done and continues to do.  So today, as you see that which is good, just, honorable, etc., may it bring your thoughts back to the God who sends such reflections into our world.