It's Just Right

February 4, 2023

I work hard to keep my life under control. I believe in following rules. Discipline is a good thing. People make fun of those who are very disciplined, accusing them of having “OCD” (obsessive compulsive disorder). That might be me, I don’t know.

This ultra-orderliness shows up in different ways. If I dress in old jeans to work on a project, I’ll wear them even when I go to town to pick up the mail or to drop by Dollar General. I deem it a work day, so I don’t change clothes for a couple little errands. If I’m reading for pleasure, I sit in the same recliner every time. When eating a meal at home, I eat all of one meat or vegetable before going on to the next food. I rarely change the routine, unless I feel the need to force some spontaneity.

Discipline is a good thing. It gets things done. There is a difference, however, between being in a groove and being in a rut.

If I cannot change for a higher good, I’m in a rut. If rules are the boss, I’ve gone too far with discipline. When I fight against change, I’ve made myself the leader. I cringe at the idea that I want to take God’s place as the ruler of my life.

I want to follow God, closely and completely. I want to do what is right, but I can’t be so stiff I won’t react to God’s steering hand. I will do exactly what God wants me to do, to the best of my ability, and if God wants something different in the upcoming hour or minute, I’ll try to do that. I want to be very disciplined, but very flexible.

“You shall have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:3