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Disciplined

"When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world." 1 Corinthians 11:32

It’s always tough to be disciplined or to discipline others.  Since leaving the grandchildren, I was thinking about the need most of us have to lead a more disciplined life.  Despite the declining morals of our culture, it seems that most people still respect someone who demonstrates a healthy self-discipline. 

If we are to truly reflect the likeness of Christ, we need to be self-disciplined.  Certainly, Christ was disciplined in every facet of his life.  All we have to do is read about his habits, attitudes, thought-patterns, love, and speech to know he was a disciplined man.

Most of my writing, and hopefully behavior, reflects an appreciation for grace. God’s grace and the grace others have extended me are greatly appreciated. Grace is important to our Christian experience but so is self-discipline.  As we mature in our faith, most folks gain insights on how to throttle behavior and speech to more reflect and model a life that glorifies God and encourages others.

To excel in most things, discipline is required.  A disciplined person practices attitudes and behavior that eventually becomes automatic.  If we have a problem with inappropriate jesting or humor that hurts others, then we need to ask ourselves if we are conforming to the likeness of our Master. 

Webster defines discipline as: marked by or possessing discipline; training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character; control gained by enforcing obedience or order; orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior; self-control; or a rule or system of rules governing conduct or activity.

This all sounds familiar.  God’s word speaks a great deal about being disciplined or disciplining others. While most of the verses help us understand the importance of disciplining our children, we can draw conclusions about the cultivation of appropriate attributes and behavior that please our Lord.  Verses, like those found in Hebrews, remind us of the impact of good parenting. "Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:9-11

We are also reminded that the Holy Spirit is God’s counsel to each of us seeking to have a deeper relationship with the living God, "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent." Revelation 3:19

A disciplined person reflects the character of our Lord to a world seeking standards.  We are not to mirror what the world values as acceptable behavior.  No, the Apostle Paul makes it clear we are to be in the world but not of it.  Jesus told us to be light, “You are the light of the world." Matthew 5:14  Light guides and directs us in the right direction. 

As I ponder those areas of my life that need improvement, I’m convicted that a little more self-discipline would help.  If we are to daily renew our minds and hearts, we must consider self-discipline.  I’m not talking about eliminating fun or carrying this concept to an extreme.  Again, the Apostle Paul helps us understand the importance of having a healthy perspective on discipline, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

Changing habits are never easy but often necessary.  With God’s help we can overcome the most outrageous problems.  "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

Have a great week.  Jim