For the past four years for my doctoral degree I have been historically studying Jesus of Nazareth, the early church, as well as Judaism. A truth regarding Jesus which I was familiar with before but even more so up to the present was this: Jesus and those who comprised this early group of followers were… real people. I know. “Really? You paid for an education to learn this?” Yes, and then some. But many of us as Christians sorely forget the humanity of Jesus, the Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews), and the Church in the first century. We conjure up this idea that Jesus was superman, the Church was utopian, and the Jews and Gentiles were best friends. Sorry. There is more humanity to our heritage then I could even begin to explain. They were… real people like you and I. Jesus too.

They had jobs. Frustrations. Limitations. Needs. Wants. Selfish tendencies. Milestone moments. Laughter. Sorrow. Breakthroughs. Setbacks. And more. They were just like you and I. Even Jesus. Part human. Part divine. Equally and fully both. This Jew named Jesus was more like us than we realize. Tempted in every way and yet did not sin. He’s been where we have all been.

As we embark on the ministries Jesus has invited us into, let us remember this truth: Jesus has called, anointed, and commissioned you. His desire is that you thrive where you have been planted. Not only personally but also for those around you. A life of impact. A life of meaning. A life of substance.

But how do we sustain this? How can we continue down this path when we simultaneously face many setbacks, trials, and difficulties? Whether you are a church planter laboring in the harvest or a Jesus follower trying to begin a bible study on your lunch hour-here are three disciplines to walk in which sustain and protect your calling.

1 | Solitude

To separate oneself voluntarily for a time from people and things in order to have more space for God. In this discipline we resist doing things. We turn the phone off. We embrace being alone. We look inwardly and reflect. We ask the Lord, “Where am I? Am I being obedient to your call? What needs to change?” Jesus did this often: Matthew 4:1-2; Mark 1:13; Luke 4:42; 5:16. 

2 | Silence

Similar to solitude, this means to either be in a quiet place where the only sound we hear is nature or it can also simply  mean the absence of talking. I would encourage you to experience both! Often! We need this for our over stimulated dopamine filled minds. Silence helps us relinquish control over ourselves and our environment. It teaches us to think soberly. Silence breeds within us: freedom from too much talking (James 3:3), self awareness, a fuller well of speech where blessing can flow vs. reactionary words (Ephesians 4:29), and allows us to overall “recalibrate” with the Lord as we breathe deeply with his Word in hand and prayer in our hearts. Jesus did this as well as seen in the above references. 

3 | Moderation

This involves limiting the outside things which can pollute the good the Lord is trying to bring within us. Fasting is an excellent tool to help combat this as is an overall embrace of self-denial. Doing so helps keep in mind what our true needs are vs. wants. We often spend money, time, and energy on things that are wants or simply “Dead works” which are of no value to us. When we look back, are we going to want to say, “I consumed so much media!” or, “I loved and served those around me the best I could!” A life of moderation, saying no to addictions or anything else society wants to throw at us is the life Jesus lived. 

These three are great mindsets to adopt in order to protect and maintain our fervency in living out our ministry for Jesus. 

Without this self-discipline we will be forever drawn to the lure of excuses which breed regret, shame, and a life of little to no impact. But take a deep breath! The grace of the Lord abounds. But don’t wait until it’s too late. He has called you out of darkness and into his light for a reason. It’s time to get to work with Jesus! The harvest is ready; but the laborers are few! 

But remember its ok to take baby steps. As Ophelia Filek writes, “The foundation of a strong self comes from small acts of daily discipline.” One day at a time asking the Lord, “What today must I do to obey you? What must I leave behind to run more freely?” It is only through solitude, silence, and moderation that we will be able to quiet the noise to truly hear his wisdom and Word. 

Lord, be our strength today. Guide us in self-discipline. Guard us from the excess of greed, lust, materialism, and anything else which would cloud our judgment. You are our advocate. You are our leader. We love you, Lord. Thank you for your Spirit today!

In Jesus’ name… Amen.