Daily Power #4

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it. (2 Tim. 3:14)

To the delight of dental hygienists everywhere, I’m an evangelist for flossing. While I want us all to have healthy gums, I’m committed to flossing because it represents the importance of personal habits and routines in our lives.

Flossing matters to me because it’s the easiest discipline for me to quit. I’ve never liked it, and when I’m tired, I’d rather just brush my teeth and fall into bed. But my choosing not to floss opens the door for other challenges.

When I force myself to floss even though I don’t want to, I feel disciplined. Since I feel disciplined, I continue with my workout plan. Since I work out, I eat better. I sleep better too. And when I sleep well, I wake up early and do my Bible reading before work.

On the other hand, when I don’t floss, I feel undisciplined and more inclined to drop other habits as well. Since I didn’t floss, I’m more likely to skip a workout, which then helps me rationalize eating more junk food. Those lazy, sloppy habits come back to haunt me when I don’t sleep as well at night.

Okay, I’m exaggerating—a little. But you have to agree: certain disciplines lead to other positive actions. And the path to discipline begins with the habits you cultivate. Yes, I encourage you to floss today, but more important, I encourage you to commit to the habits that will honor God, strengthen your faith, and improve the quality of your life.

Power Lift

Dear God, today I will practice habits to cultivate discipline in my life. You are the source of my strength, and I can do all things through you—even flossing.