The Necessity of Discipline
1 Corinthians 9:25–27a - All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.
Hebrews 12:5-7a - And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children.
Nobody likes discipline of any kind. At the mention of the word you feel a twinge. Maybe even a cringe. Your first reaction is to resist it. Yet, discipline is a necessary reality for the growth and change you desire in your life. Discipline is for your good. The Bible talks about two different kinds of discipline.
Personal discipline. Here, you initiate routine practices for yourself so that you might be fit for God's work in and through you. The Bible says you are in a race for an eternal prize, and you are to discipline yourself in training as an athlete does. You train your body and spirit to do what it should (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). The idea of a regiment of any kind seems lifeless at first glance. Any kind of training sounds boring. When it comes to the physical body, most people don't like to exercise. When it comes to the emotions people prefer to freely express themselves publicly rather than keep in check privately. Ranting and raving comes more easily than quiet reflection. Spiritual practices such as time in prayer and reading the Bible can seem like woeful duties. But in fact, a commitment to exercise results in better health. A sensibility in the handling of our emotions results in better relationships. A daily devotion to connecting with God each day results in a peace that passes all understanding. The fact is, the things you want most in life don't usually come in surprise packages; the things you want most in life are realized as a result of personal discipline. An attitude of “trying” will never accomplish more than actual training.
Divine discipline. Here, God responds with discipline when you disobey him.
Nobody likes to be disciplined. You don’t want to admit you did something wrong, and you certainly don’t want other people to confront you. More so, you don’t want to be corrected by someone else or suffer consequence. And yet, you know that this is how you learn. Discipline is how you grow and mature; it is a critical part of your character development. It is how you are moved away from bad and harmful behaviors. Loving parents discipline their children. They do this so that their child will not have to suffer this mistake again. They do it to protect their child. They do it to teach them right from wrong so they can make good decisions. God desires the same for you. He wants to protect you. He wants you to know right from wrong. He wants you to make the best decisions. He wants you to grow and mature in character and be people of integrity. The divine discipline from your Heavenly Father is motivated by love. And as his child, you can receive it with gratitude.
More: Proverbs 3:11-12, 10:17, 12:1, Psalm 119: 65-72, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Hebrews 12:5-7a, 11-13