Discipline, Plan and Prepare

2 Corinthians 8:11 KJV

Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

Paul knew that the church at Corinth would be willing to contribute to an offering to help suffering believers in Jerusalem but he also knew they would not be able to give to their fullest potential unless they began preparations well ahead of time. The giving of tithes, gifts and special offerings at church is greatly improved when people discipline themselves to prepare for these offerings. Rather than waiting for the last minute and giving what little is in the pocket so to speak, it is far better to plan ahead that, when the offering is received, we can give as abundantly. God blesses the bountiful giver.[1]

This principle can be applied to any number of areas of life:

• A particular job
• A desire to pastor
• A Longing for a long and happy marriage

Being willing to do a thing is not always the same as doing it. The difference between desiring something and accomplishing it is usually in the preparation. In some cases of course, that preparation is in education. In most cases that preparation begins long before education in the development of discipline and character.

We, of course, will never be able to accomplish all we would like to accomplish in this life. Time, resources and the limits of this corruptible body will hinder us until we reach eternity. But we can accomplish much more if we

• Discipline ourselves
• Plan ahead and
• Prepare

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[1] 2 Corinthians 9:6 KJV

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.