The Importance of Discipline
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Do you ever struggle with self-discipline or finding motivation?
Maybe you want to read your Bible and pray every day, but often you find it hard to maintain your daily habit along with your to-do list.
Perhaps you recognize that you ought to live a healthy lifestyle but find yourself favoring the convenience of comfort more often than you would like to.
Discipline can apply to any area of life. This includes spiritual discipline (reading the Bible, praying, spending time in the Christian community, etc.), physical well-being (eating healthy, exercising), and maintaining mental health (taking captive every thought and making it obedient to Christ, taking time to be alone with God).
To be clear, this is not a post written to guilt you into change. I’m certainly not perfect, and there are areas of discipline that I’m and trying to work on in my own life.
Instead, my prayer is that this is a loving encouragement to press on. Discipline is a significant aspect of the Christian journey, impacting not only our own lives but those around us.
It is essential for us to let discipline be a foundational part of our lives. This starts with meditating on what the Bible has to say about it, and letting it impact the decisions we make in life.
Discipline is Dear to the Heart of God
God desires for us to live a disciplined life. Not as an empty command intended to make us miserable but rather is dear to his heart. It helps pave the way for us to truly live an abundant life.
Scripture repeatedly instructs us to refrain from sin and walk in obedience. Even in the Garden of Eden, humanity was designed to function within a life of discipline by being instructed not to eat the forbidden fruit.
We serve a God who is loving, all-powerful, and holy. Prior to the fall of humanity, Adam and Eve lived in service to God and obedience in its truest form. Though sin tainted the human heart, it still stands that we were made for more than gratifying our own desires or whatever “feels” good to us alone.
God’s design for us is to walk in a pure and holy way which demonstrates restraint to receive life.
This is not a way of living we are required to carry out on our own strength. Rather, the Holy Spirit lives within us as Christians. He counsels us and gives us the strength to walk in self-control. Scripture states:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
We do not have to walk alone, relying on our self-determination alone. As Christians, we can walk in grace.
Discipline Helps Us Truly Live
Scripture reads:
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Colossians 3:12-13).
We were intended to live a life that consciously laid down the nature of the flesh (sinfulness) and put on that which is found in God (compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and love).
Often a life of discipline is seen as “deprived,” “strict,” or “not fun” or even called legalism.
But when done for the correct motives, discipline actually paves the way for us to live the life God has designed for us truly. When we walk in discipline, it does not deplete us of life’s pleasures. Rather it paves the way for them.
Discipline Focuses our Attention on What Truly Matters
Discipline helps us be mindful of how we spend our time and utilize our resources.
It causes us to evaluate what we are investing in, what decisions we are making, and how they are affecting our lives. It allows us to ask questions: Who am I aiming to please? What am I choosing to focus on throughout my day? What consumes my thoughts/ attention? Where am I investing in, and what does this truly say about my life?
God’s Word teaches us where our focus ought to be. The Bible states:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
There is a bigger picture. As Christians, we are called to take hold of an eternal perspective. Discipline helps us to cast aside things that are harmful to others and ourselves and to keep focused on the purpose of life.
Are the decisions you make (big or small) reflecting who you are living for?
Discipline Changes how We Interact with Others
When we live a disciplined life, it changes how we interact with others.
It allows us to let go of lesser things and take hold of something greater: showing others Christ.
“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.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
Self-discipline places us in a position where we are actively living by the positive values we hold. And in doing so, we influence other people (whether indirectly as a friend, or directly as a parent).
It ensures that nothing that could distract us from our relationship with the Lord is placed in a position where we can take control of our lives. Every aspect of life is filtered through who we serve: God.
Likewise, it allows us to lay aside that which could distract others from their relationship with Him.
Regardless of Our Feelings, We Have the Grace to Keep Going
Maybe you’re reading this, and you have a list of areas you have not exercised self-discipline or there is a gap between your values (who you want to be) and your actions. Or perhaps you feel overwhelmed with the changes you need to make. I know I have for sure.
The humbling truth is that we need the Spirit’s help to live out the calling we have received. We cannot do it on our own, and perhaps you do not know where even to start.
We can begin on our knees in prayer.
God gives us the grace to start again, brand new each day.
It is not too late. Any shame, condemnation, and guilt are from the enemy. Any conviction that seeks to change for the better and for redemption is from God (2 Corinthians 7:10).
We are empowered to make small changes every day that reinforce who we were made to be.
We can live as those who have been redeemed.
Taking one step at a time.
Blessings,
