Daily discipline in a disciple's life

Points to Consider

Discipline is a word most of us don’t like! We automatically think negatively about it; but discipline in our lives is not negative, it’s necessary. Those that have done well in their education know the discipline it takes to succeed in school, whether high school, college, or graduate school. Think of the hours of dedication and discipline it takes for men and women to become doctors, lawyers, or successful business people. Likewise, in sports one of the main ingredients of a successful athlete is discipline.

Proverbs 23:12 tells us, “Apply your heart to discipline (instruction), and your ears to words of knowledge” (NAS). Paul instructed Timothy to “exercise (train) yourself toward godliness” (1 Tim. 4:7). This word exercise or train is the source of our English words gymnastics and gymnasium. The word drips with sweat and feels like burning muscles! Spiritual discipline leads to a godly life and helps develop a Christ-like life. Some have defined spiritual discipline as cultivating godliness in our lives.

Scripture constantly refers indirectly to this spiritual exercise or discipline through instructions like these: “the renewing of your mind” (Rom. 12:2), “being transformed” (2 Cor. 3:18), “Christ being formed in you” (Gal. 4:19), and “being conformed into the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29). Then in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 we read this: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

Suggested focus:

What are some essential disciplines in the lives of Christians if they are to be true disciples of Christ? Some points include:

• Prayer
• Scripture
• Worship
• Fasting
• Stewardship
• Service and sacrifice
• Witnessing/evangelism

H.W.

Article series: Discipleship - Missions in Focus 2019