Discipline Makes The Difference

Nobody wants to talk about this word and nobody wants to read about this word unless it is accompanied by brutal, deadly, or something else more mainstream. But this dreaded word “Discipline” is what makes the difference………………..If you are still here, thank you for reading on. 

Discipline As Punishment

During childhood, I only knew discipline as punishment which was extremely harsh at times and would be deemed unacceptable by today’s standards. By no means would I condone the type of discipline I endured. There should be limits but as good parents, we are called to discipline our children. God disciplines his children because he loves them and that’s the kind of discipline we as parents should provide. Job 5:17 says: Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty. 

We have all witnessed un-disciplined children in grocery stores, parks, doctors offices, and restaurants. The parents have little control. The children and the parents seem to have never even heard the dreaded word discipline.

Proverbs 29:15 To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.

Self Discipline

I’ll be the first to admit that I have struggled my entire adult life with self discipline, but if there is one quality or trait that makes a difference in how a person’s life works out, it’s discipline. Christians know that God is really the most important aspect in how their lives work out, but a major part of becoming a Christian is leading a more disciplined life. Discipline makes the difference in all aspects of a Christians life.  

Proverbs 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

A Fundamental Foundation

Galatians 5:22-23 Says: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  

Discipline (self-control) is one of those life “fundamentals” and there are not many fundamentals. Fundamentals are well established and have been around a long time. Be wary of the person who claims to have a “new” fundamental.

The Bible is my primary guide on all matters. Proverbs 12:1 says: “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. These are very plain, and hard to misunderstand words. The Bible says the meek shall inherit the earth. I think an attribute of meekness is being teachable, able to receive instruction and to stand corrected when needed.  The inability to admit error means we hate knowledge because we don’t accept discipline. If we love discipline we love knowledge but if we hate it, we essentially hate wisdom.

I’ve heard athletic coaches say: “he was the best player I ever had but was useless because he was “un-coachable”.

Discipline and Character

We all have character. There are many lists of character traits made by experts. The lists vary somewhat between experts, but if discipline is not on their list I would find another list. Some people are said to have character flaws. Unless there is some medical reason, I doubt anyone has character flaws. We all know right from wrong and if a person hates, steals, or is dishonest with his neighbor he has made those choices. To rob a bank, mug someone, or cause physical harm to a person is a choice. To say this behavior is a flaw in his character is incorrect, these are choices. I think our society is too willing to excuse bad behavior by labeling it a condition or flaw. This person has no self-control, no discipline.

John Luther once said, “Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are to some extent a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it piece by piece by thought, choice, courage, and determination.“

A Fundamental Character List

DISCIPLINE is number one. All other character traits are affected, or even controlled by discipline. A good list would include honesty, faithfulness, courage, compassion, humility, generosity, patience, and dependability. We could add to that character list but they would probably relate to this foundation.

Galatians 5:22-23 tells us “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” 

This Is My Philosophy

I am certainly not perfect. I struggle, sometimes stumble, and I’ll always be a sinner but this is my philosophy. Maybe yours is similar or completely different, but everyone has some sort of philosophy. It was not always my philosophy but since I became a Christian and accepted Jesus as Lord and savior my entire life changed, expanded, opened, exploded! (I can’t seem to find a big enough word) maybe a smaller word JOY. I was set on fire with love and a new beginning.  Hate is gone along with my tension and fear. I enjoy life and living for the Lord. Does your current philosophy do all these things?

It’s Your Choice, God Will Never Force Himself On You

Romans 10:9 says: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.