Discipline

None of us likes to be disciplined, in fact, many of us in our younger years probably rebuked discipline and did "our thing".   But even as adults, we should be living disciplined lives.  I'm not talking about someone putting us in "time-out" or being grounded, I'm talking about being disciplined through Jesus.

As children of God, every step we take should be with God.  How do we do that?  How can we be sure we are doing just that?  Well, let's just go down the list:

1.  Are you spending time in God's Word?
2.  Are you spending time in prayer with God?
3.  Are you behaving in a way that brings glory to your Father?
4.  Are the choices you are making choices that will show your good works in heaven?

If you can't answer YES to each of those questions, then maybe you need to re-evaluate how disciplined you really are.  Ouch, I know, my toes just got stepped on too but if we aren't honest with ourselves, how can we begin to walk in discipline?  And when life throws us curve balls, how can we come out the other side with obedience?

Charles Swindoll once said, "When you suffer and lose, that does not mean you are being disobedient to God.  In fact, it might mean you're right in the center of His will.  The path of obedience is often marked by times of suffering and loss".  Trials and sufferings are part of our christian walk but each trial grows our faith and opens our eyes to obedience.  When we live disciplined lives, we are able to grow beyond our trials and see the joy.

When I first started strong on my walk of faith, I was introduced to Beth Moore and her Bible studies.  It was exactly what I needed at the moment.  They were not overwhelming but rather full of truths that allowed me to see what a life of faith was, what it meant and how to diligently work to achieve it.  Now mind you, it won't happen over night, it's a constant work in process but that's part of the beauty of the design of discipline God has created.  I remember Beth Moore saying in one of her
studies, "God has a present will for your life.  It is neither chaotic nor utterly exhausting.  In the midst of many good choices vying for your time, He will give you the discernment to recognize what is best".  God doesn't expect us to figure all this out on our own.  He walks alongside us every step of the way.  He guides us to where he wants us to be, where we can enjoy the very best with Him.

Discipline sounds like such an unfriendly word and yet, it's the life, we as Christians are called to live.  I challenge you to not look at discipline as a job or a chore but instead, embrace it as an opportunity to be in tune with your Father.  As Christians, we must live lives that represent our faith, our beliefs, our trust in God.  What we live out in front of others is more important than simply the words we use.  Discipline and obedience lead to spiritual growth and maturity. 

"But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him.  By this we know that we are in Him.  He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." 1 John 2:5-6 NKJV

It's not an easy path.  Just as we constantly discipline our children, God is disciplining us.  God is constantly refining us so that we may become more like Him.  Each day is a new opportunity to step up to the plate and get into the game.  Don't waste another moment just sitting on the sidelines but instead step out and trust God. 

"Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he that trusts in the Lord."  Proverbs 16:20 NIV

Heavenly Father, You love us more than we can love ourselves.  You desire for us to be in Your Word, in prayer with You and trusting You with our lives.  When you discipline us it is out of love and desiring the very best for us.  Father, I pray that we would be a society that is overwhelmed with joy and blessings through all things.  Let us follow Your will for our lives.  Let us see you in each of our days so that we may walk closer to You.  May we chose to follow Your commandants, Lord, and then have moments to share the joy of obedience with others.  Amen