For the Christian life, every day is a struggle. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus spoke about the commitment that had to be made when following Him. He wanted to make it very clear that there are some things, that are a part of who you were, that you have to give up to become a part of Him.
The first step which He pointed out was denying yourself.
To deny yourself is to stop doing those things you want, because they hinder you from getting the things you need. What you want and what you need are naturally not the same. It is possible, however, to teach yourself to want only the things you need.
Which brings us to this question: what do you need?
In the order of priorities, your most important needs are the things that secure your future; firstly, your life after death, and then your life after now.
For instance, if you’re in Medical School, your most important needs are the things that will first guarantee that you’ll make heaven, and then those things which will guarantee that you’ll become a doctor. These should be at the very TOP of your priorities.
Your other priorities proceed in a decreasing order starting from those which facilitate your paramount objectives to those that are merely pastime.
After your list is ordered, how do you achieve it? DISCIPLINE!
It is just when you’ve decided to go on a 2-week diet that your friends get excess cash to spend at KFC. Or, you haven’t studied for the past two days - you’re already feeling bad. When you make up your mind to read, your friends decide to enjoy the weekend and hangout at a classmate’s house.
These times will ALWAYS be there. The stronger your ‘no’ gets, the better for you.
It is not enough, however, to say no to things that are parallel to your goals. You must also say yes to things that improve you; for he is not a saint who shuns vices yet practices no virtues.
Laziness is not the biggest thief of time, for it is only a manifestation of indiscipline!
Master Self-discipline and take back your stolen time!
Carpe diem!