For the longest time, I have always enjoyed this time of year. I say this because of the start of football season and because I would find myself in a routine more than at any time of the year. I am sure most of you have found yourself in a routine this time of year as well. This time of year, my routine is straightforward. While in college, I was entrenched in schoolwork Monday-Friday. Since joining the full-time workforce after graduating, I am focused on my employment endeavor. On the weekends, I look forward to my favorite football teams’ scheduled games. With a routine, I know what to expect.  

The impact of a routine can pay dividends. While a routine can help set aside time for leisurely activities, it can help us set aside time in our lives for what is important. Do we ever set aside time to read our Bibles consistently? Check in on our loved ones? Spend time in prayer? With our busy schedules, it might appear to be challenging to find a routine. No matter how busy we might be there is always a chance to find a routine, and in order to do that there needs to be both intentionality and discipline.

In 1 Corinthians 9, the Apostle Paul used a unique analogy regarding being intentional and having discipline. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” What Paul illustrates here is that every athlete is intentional with a purpose. That purpose is to become successful at what they do. Paul illustrates the same diligence as it pertains to himself after preaching.

When we prioritize certain things, we must develop the discipline necessary to fulfill them. Our actions and mindset have to be intentional. Once we do this, the actions that will grow our faith and bring glory to God will become part of our everyday routine.