Richard Foster once said, “Our Adversary majors in three things: noise, hurry and crowds. If he can keep us engaged in “muchness” and “manyness,” he will rest satisfied.” I came across this statement in my readings from Richard J. Foster on the subject of the disciplined life.  It is an area that I have continually sought to improve on since the beginning of my ministry 22 years ago.  It is also ironic that I was asked to write on this subject at a time when I am in the midst of more reading and application of discipline in some areas of my life.  I loved the post by Rusty Russell on “The Greatest Time Thief” and would have to agree that it is, many times, in my own personal office that I allow precious time to evaporate all because of the lack of discipline at the time to make the best choices.
I admit that I am very much a people person and love the busyness and noise of any given day and can feel right at home in large crowds.  Over the years, I have improved on the ability to utilize and even enjoy the time I spend alone in solitude but must confess this is not as natural for me as the excitement of being around people and events.  It is also sobering to me to remember that the time that I do not spend doing the best things is time I will never get back.  However, I have not given up on being more disciplined with my time and have attempted to be mindful that this is just as much a part of being a faithful steward as managing my finances.  I have found some things very helpful along the way that has enabled me to become a more disciplined person.  I hope these help and would love to hear from others so I may continue to learn as well.

1.    Admit that being disciplined is a problem.  Willingness to acknowledge the problem is a major key to improving on it.
2.    Read good writings and articles on discipline and things such as time management.
3.    Allow others to keep you accountable.  If you have office personnel, they can be a tremendous help.
4.    Use people who are gifted administratively and delegate to them things that easily draw you away.   What a liberating day it was for me when I realized that I did not have to lead by doing everything or controlling everything.
5.    Learn to turn off or silence all phones and block out time that can only be interrupted by an emergency.
6.    Be willing to teach your congregation why your quiet and alone times are important.
7.    Pray!!
8.    Read every article on The Disciplined Pastor at here www.pastorconnections.com.
9.    Fellowship with and learn from people who live a disciplined life.
10.    Allow no excuses for why you can’t be disciplined, even the excuse of your personality.

Discipline is not just about quiet time or alone time.  It is hard and deals with every aspect of life in Christ.  The results of a disciplined life will be a life-giving revolution both personally and in the body of Christ.   Consider this., “Full participation in the life of God’s Kingdom and in the vivid companionship of Christ comes to us only through appropriate exercise in the disciplines for life in the Spirit.” –Richard J. Foster