“The temptation to take the easy road is always there. But discipline is paramount to success and victory.”

We keep hearing, “I need to be the best me possible.” Truth or lie? It depends on the definition of me being used. The me that is the work of art that the Father created in me to be and to become (Eph. 2:10) or the me that brought Jesus to this earth as the ultimate and last sacrifice for the sins of me?

The former leads to victory and fulfillment. So, have you ever wondered why one of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control? Self or me needs to be controlled by the Spirit not unleashed on the world, let alone on myself!

Peter writes that me is to gain truth and add self-control to it while practicing that truth because this process leads to becoming more like Jesus (2 Pet. 1:6) or ultimate freedom (John 8:32).

Discipline equals freedom, which leads to victory and fulfillment defined as acting consistently with who the Father created in me in Christ!

The easy road leads to bondage while the harder road requires self-control that brings greater freedom. It’s a choice the Father gives us at the cross. Let’s hope me chooses the later.