Are you self-disciplined even in changing situations? (122-2)

Effective leaders strive to develop self-discipline that will allow them to maintain perspective in the face of changing situations. Read Job 1:1-22.

During the four years I spent in the Marine Corp there was constant training to maintain self-discipline. The desired outcome of the training was to keep us safe and functioning at a high level whether under fire, in a situation that looked like we would surely die, or on liberty in a city or foreign port where drugs and prostitution were rampant. When a Marine had self-discipline the chances of victory over the changing situation increased exponentially.

Job was an extremely disciplined leader. He maintained consistency in the leadership of his family and business and was thought of as the greatest man among the people of the East. He was so consistent before God that after his children celebrated a feast that lasted several days he sought God’s favor on behalf of his children just in case they had sinned and cursed God during their time of partying. His self-discipline and consistency was even noticed by God who pointed it out that there was no one on earth like him.

Satan, the enemy of both God and man, boldly suggested to God that it is easy to be disciplined and consistent when everything is going good. God allowed Satan to test Job’s discipline by removing his prosperity and even his family. The obvious conclusion for every leader is that God expects us to trust Him totally in every situation.

Job lived his life from his inner character, not his emotions and this allowed Job to maintain perspective even when terrible tragedy struck him. The Bible tells us that Job never sinned against God with his words. He maintained his self-discipline and integrity all the way through this terrible tragedy.

Leaders can learn from the sequence of events that give a pattern Job used to maintain discipline:

• Job worshiped first, focusing on God rather than self. He articulated God’s sovereignty in his life.
• Understanding God’s sovereignty allowed Job to capture God’s perspective and use His power to maintain discipline and cope with the immediate events.
• Once Job had God’s perspective he became humble in the face of God’s greatness and unlimited knowledge.
• Job’s humility caused Job to hunger for God’s insight and become teachable.
• Once Job became teachable he could gain victory.

Ezekiel 14:23 You will be consoled when you see their conduct and their actions, for you will know that I have done nothing in it without cause, declares the Sovereign LORD.”