Discipline

SCRIPTURE
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith."

"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong." (Hebrews 12:1-2, 11-13)

OBSERVATION
Soldiers, athletes, children - what do these have in common? They all need discipline.
Soldiers need it to protect their squad and themselves.
Athletes need it to compete at the highest level.
Children need it to excel in life and stay out of trouble.

Discipline is rarely fun and games. It's usually uncomfortable, painful and tough. But it's best when it comes from someone who really cares for us. It's best when it's motivated out of love. If I want the very best for someone that I oversee, I need to care for them enough that I will discipline them - I don't enjoy it or look forward to it. It would be so much easier for me to ignore it and move on. But if I really want the best for that person, then I need to graciously confront and correct. I need to bring some things to their attention and help them make the appropriate corrections. If I ignore it, I'm contributing to the undisciplined life.

APPLICATION
A coach who really cares about his team will go the extra mile to correct mistakes and bad habits in order to play their very best. Parents who are fully involved in their child's life will take the time and effort to correct attitudes and behavior that will affect their maturity, learning and personal growth. As leaders, we need to care so much about our people that we will take the extra effort to discipline those that we serve.

Our Heavenly Father loves us that much and more. He wants the very best for us. He wants us to succeed in the most important things in life. When He disciplines us, we mustn't try to justify or defend our behavior. We need to submit to His wisdom. Comply with the consequence and learn for the future.

We need TO discipline, but we must also BE disciplined. As the scripture says, discipline leads to a peaceful harvest of right living.

PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father,
Give me the strength and courage to discipline others when needed. And may I be open to Your discipline with the knowledge that it comes in Your love.
In Jesus Name, Amen