22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22 – 23, New International Version)
for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13, New International Version)
Theme: The Wisdom of Discipline
Title: Discipline and Deity
Reflection:
Twelve-step programs such as Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) refer to a “power greater than ourselves,” which for many translates to a deity. It should come as no surprise that there has been a longstanding debate about the necessity of including God or any higher power in programs like AA. In many facets of life, there are examples of people who have exhibited extraordinary discipline without any reliance on God. So, why does God have to factor into the equation? Why not rely on individual will power and if necessary, use resources such as self-help books, coaches, or gurus?
I believe our Scripture passages today address these questions for the believer. The passage in Galatians declares that God is not a bystander in the matter of discipline because self-control (which can also be translated as self-discipline) is included in the fruit of the Spirit. The passage from Philippians reminds us that God works in us to fulfill his purpose. When God is involved He fulfills what is right.
Conclusion:
We do not have to pursue self-discipline by ourselves! We want God in the equation because he is the essential source of our ability to fulfill His purpose. Without Him in the equation, other purposes can be fulfilled with discipline but there is no guarantee that they are God’s purposes. As Christians, we have the opportunity to show the world why and how God makes a difference. How can you show the world the difference God makes in your pursuit of self-discipline? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Contributor: Norman Christie
March 20, 2025 at 5:25 am
There’s a song called “They Will Know We are Christians by our Love”. I believe we can show the world the difference God makes by living a life that clearly shows the fruit of the spirit. The Holy Spirit is our guide, reminder and support in our pursuit of embedding the fruit of the spirit in our hearts. When we falter or stray, God is always there to bring us back and support our self-discipline efforts.
March 20, 2025 at 5:34 am
Years ago I remember the company I work for focusing on (re)establishing and socializing our mission, purpose, and values. Teammate were given resources to write their own professional and personal purpose. It wasn’t a phase, we are still talking about and aligned to that purposes statement. I’m still aligned to mine. Sometimes you have to state the why, write it down, talk about it. So others know the reason for the actions.
March 20, 2025 at 4:40 pm
I’m always impressed when Christians share stories of how they made it through “ whatever “… those stories motivate, bless, and many time helps to renew my resolve to continue to be disciplined. I need to find more occasions and opportunities to share stories of how being disciplined makes a difference when I allow God’s involvement.
March 20, 2025 at 6:42 pm
“ How can we show the world the difference God makes in our pursuit of self-discipline?”
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
I believe that I am truly “a new creation”, thanks to the transforming work of God’s grace in me. Self-control (a fruit of the Spirit) shows in my words, my patience, my calm demeanour under pressure, especially in conflict, or even worse, when under attack, my care for others. These things, and others, were largely beyond me “the natural man”, at least compared to today’s me, with Christ in me. I believe these things now flow more ‘naturally’, if you know what I mean, and from a place of God-given hope. And then sharing our motives, or “why’s”, when asked, giving Him the credit and the glory, EXPLAINS to the world “the difference God makes”.
1 Peter 3:15 NIV
[15] But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
March 20, 2025 at 6:51 pm
If you’re disciplined with God’s word, I think it reflects on your ways and especially in making decisions or choices. It will just come out from you and people will notice the difference in you without much effort from your part to let others see it for themselves. It’s also because if you’re disciplined by God, the Holy Spirit guides you all the time. As Christian I am supposed to let my light shine wherever I am, and whatever I do, so the best way to keep your light shining is to being polished everyday by God’s word, prayer, Bible study , fellowshipping and most of all never take for granted the relationship you have with Jesus. Being content and happy with the life given to us can only be achieved if there is a constant obedience to God which of course results into Glorifying Him, and that should be the goal of every believer.
March 20, 2025 at 7:21 pm
I asked God for peace of mind but instead I endured more than a year of severe anxiety, panic attacks and stress. I kept asking God for peace but no matter how hard I tried it would not come. Then one day, after almost a full day of panic the previous day, suddenly my “prayers broke through” and peace came upon me like a river. Like a butterfly alighting on my shoulder. I do not know why the answer was delayed but around the time of the “breakthrough” I humbled myself, briefly explained my circumstances to my Bible study group and asked them to pray for me (I do not like showing vulnerability in public settings). What I learned – there is power in others praying for you. The difference God makes is that I do not have to fulfill my purposes in my own strength. God has given believers the power of prayer to call for help in their time of need. Granting those who trust in HIM supernatural strength (see Isaiah 41:10)
March 20, 2025 at 10:51 pm
Giving God thanks for your breakthrough, Ayanna🙏🏿