Discipline
Today’s Scripture Selection: Hebrews 12:11
“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.”
How disciplined are you?
I know there are more than a few times in my life when I wish I had been more disciplined than I was at the time. And I have, in some cases, paid a high price for it.
But, painful or not, discipline does produce a “harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Is the scripture here speaking of discipline as in something externally imposed upon us or internally chosen? I suspect the former.
But, I think the truth applies to self-discipline as well.
I know that it is especially true of spiritual disciplines.
- Prayer
- Biblical Study
- Life marked by sacrificial service to others
- Tithing and Stewardship
- Worship
- And any other ways you can think of to regularly show your devotion to God in a “disciplined” way
All these things are more than just a “painful” duty or a “cross” to bear.
I think they are a privilege and a wonderful way to grow deep in your faith and in your relationship with God and God’s people.
So – how disciplined are you?
I hope you can say that you are at least working on it.
The rewards are too numerous to list.
Prayer: Lord, by your Spirit at work in my life; help me to become an ever more disciplined follower of the Way. AMEN.
