fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2, New International Version)

 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:17, New International Version)

Theme:  The Wisdom of Discipline

Title:  Discipline and Delay

Reflection:

Very often, being disciplined translates to delaying some perceived benefit.  For example, in the financial world, successful investors make wise trade-offs between current consumption and saving/investing for the future.  In the spiritual realm, the wisdom of delaying a benefit for the cause of Christ is frequently captured in the Bible. 

Our Scripture passages for today highlight the trade-off between instant satisfaction of a desire and delayed greater joy.  In these verses we see submission (i.e., yielding to God’s mission) and trust (i.e., the calm assurance that God has good things in store for us) leading to joy.  When our focus is on God’s mission we are motivated to be disciplined even if it means delaying certain pleasures and “enduring the cross.” 

I am conscious of the fact that sometimes delay is used as a tactic to avoid necessary action.  That is not the kind of delay we are addressing here.  We are considering the kind of delay that submits our desires to God’s plans – the kind of delay that understands that “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31, King James Version)

There is a quote from Abraham Lincoln that I believe beautifully captures this concept of discipline and delay: “Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.”  Do we want God most?   

Conclusion:

There are many things that our flesh tells us we must have or do immediately.  When these temporal desires are not aligned with God’s mission, discipline is required and the result can be delayed gratification.  Are there any Scripture passages that inspire you to trust God even if your choice results in hardship for a while?  I would love to hear from you.   

Contributor: Norman Christie

³⁴ “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  (John 13:34 – 35, New International Version)

Theme:  The Wisdom of Discipline

Title:  Discipline and Deconstruction

Reflection:

Thoughts of discipline can easily gravitate towards a list of commands.  If we are not careful, we can construct an elaborate and complex system of expectations that becomes oppressive.  Consider the religious leaders who were often in conflict with Jesus.  In some respects, they would be considered very disciplined.  They scrupulously tried to “cover all the bases.”  According to Jewish tradition, there are 613 laws in the Torah.   Unfortunately, the religious leaders often missed the spirit and intent of God’s commands. 

In our Scripture passage today, Jesus masterfully deconstructs the system of the religious leaders.  His “new command” does not miss the mark.  Instead, Jesus brings us back to what really matters, back to first principles. God is love. Jesus demonstrated how to love. We should love like Jesus. 

For me, it is so refreshing and liberating that Jesus makes things “easy.”  I am not saying that loving like Jesus is easy. However, when I compare Jesus’ approach to the approach of the legalistic religious leaders, I understand why Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “My yoke is easy and my burden light.”

Conclusion:

If our acts of discipline are devoid of love, we have missed God’s point!  Take time to consider actions or thoughts that are not rooted in loving like Jesus loves you.  Is there possibly a relationship that has been adversely affected by rules you instituted in service of discipline?  Whether you were right or wrong, can you do more to love like Jesus in order to restore or build the relationship?  I would love to hear from you.   

Contributor: Bridget Jeffries

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.  (2 Corinthians 10:5, New International Version)

Theme:  The Wisdom of Discipline

Title:  Discipline and Deliberation

Reflection:

The saying goes that the “pen is mightier than the sword,” but it has often felt to me that the “thought is more powerful than the pen.” Thoughts are the impetus for our words and actions, whether you explicitly acknowledge them or not.

As an educator who teaches an anatomy course, I impress on my students that the brain (though comprised of nervous tissue) functions like a muscle.  It has “muscle memory”!  Your thoughts actively train your brain to make new connections that solidify as you age. This concept is known as “neuroplasticity.”  Your brain literally rewires itself to become more efficient depending on what you are thinking/doing.  A mind that practices restfulness becomes more adept at resting.  A mind that regularly ruminates in anxiety is quick to become anxious in future instances.

It is imperative as believers that we are disciplined about how we are wiring our brains.  In our Scripture passage today, while addressing those who are questioning his authority to criticize the church of Corinth, Paul is referencing a similar idea of neuroplasticity – but one of the spirit (spiritual-plasticity?).  Paul asserts that there is a war being waged, one that can only be fought by training your mind.  Paul was given the gifts from Christ to prepare the church of Corinth to strengthen their hearts and minds.  He states that every thought must be willed into submission, so that it becomes second-nature to submit in obedience to Christ. 

Conclusion:

As an “anxious thinker,” I have to be very intentional about taking my thoughts captive. Some exercises I practice are short meditation, finding Scripture that directly combats “lies” that I tell myself, and using worship music to fill my thoughts when I can’t find the words to do so myself. 

What are some techniques you utilize to hold your thoughts captive?  What are some “brain-wirings” you would like to work on “re-wiring”?  I would love to hear your thoughts.

Contributor: Natalie Christie-Savath

¹¹ As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. ¹² When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. ¹³ So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.  (Exodus 17:11 – 13, New International Version)

Theme:  The Wisdom of Discipline

Title:  Discipline and Dependency

Reflection:

When we are grappling with issues related to discipline it is sometimes easy to dismiss the value of depending on each other.  However, we were created to live in community.  In Genesis 2:18, we see the creation of woman so man would not be alone.  Ecclesiastes 4:12 points out that three are stronger than one or two.  In Mark 6:7, Jesus sent the disciples out in groups of two.  In our Scripture passage today, we see the value of Aaron and Hur to Moses when he grew tired.  Even as an introvert I find it beneficial, even imperative, to partner with others in my disciplined faith walk.

I come from a large family and have a core group of girlfriends, so I have the privilege of asking 2 or 3 to pray for me, hold me accountable or offer encouragement, so I can remain disciplined in a particular area.  There are times they reach out to me to offer help or invite me to do the same for them.  I find strength in this partnering.

Conclusion:

Discipline is best pursued in community.  Who can you be an Aaron/Hur to today?  Who can be an Aaron/Hur to you?  Take time to pray for wisdom in this area and ask the Lord to show you an area of discipline you need increased accountability for or encouragement in.  How have you benefitted from partnership with other Christians?  I would love to hear from you.   

Contributor: Bridget Jeffries

¹¹ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.  ¹⁴ Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. ¹⁵ Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.  (Ephesians 4:11 – 16, New International Version)

Theme:  The Wisdom of Discipline

Title:  Discipline and Direction

Reflection:

Following God’s direction requires discipline to improve our understanding and obedience.  Today’s Scripture passage provides insights into God’s provision of resources, his promised destination, and his direction that guides our disciplined activity in community. 

We are prone to feeling disqualified when we read verse 11.  We may tell ourselves, “I need to study more, to learn more,” or “I am too busy,” or “I am struggling in some area that disqualifies me.” Admittedly, we are not all called to one of these roles, but read on. These ‘high callings’ are God’s provision to prepare God’s people—i.e. us—for works of service; that’s right, for our own works of service.

And just look at what Paul (and of course God, this being His Word) says in verses 13-15 will be the final result: we will all reach “unity in the faith”, all “attain to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ”, and “in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” What a glorious outcome!

How can we ever get there? Well, He tells us, as we read in verses 15 and 16. By “speaking the truth in love”, “building up the Body in love”, “as each part does its work.”

Conclusion:

We have been given God’s comprehensive provision.  We have been told His promised glorious outcome.  And…We have received His instructions, to all of us, of how to connect the two. We are each to serve, administering His truth in love, each doing his or her work.

We have received His direction. How do we respond in discipline?

Some reflective questions: How do you work at keeping the main thing the main thing?  How do you think He has gifted you to serve?  How are you doing, or how can you do your part to build up the Body in love?   I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Contributor: Lester Bayne

I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. (Psalm 119:99, New International Version)

³ When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, ⁴ what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?  (Psalm 8:3 – 4, New International Version)

Theme:  The Wisdom of Discipline

Title:  Discipline and Discovery

Reflection:

Isaac Newton is one of the greatest scientists and mathematicians to ever live.  For over two decades he observed falling objects and the motion of objects such as the moon and was able to explain the law of gravity.  Many other significant discoveries throughout history have resulted from disciplined examinations of nature.  Consider for example the contributions of Leonardo da Vinci, and the Wright brothers (Orville and Wilbur) to human flight.  The disciplined examination of nature by these individuals is well documented.  For example, they spent many hours examining and documenting the flight of birds.  These individuals have had a profound impact on human progress because of their disciplined focus.   

As I consider the Scripture passages above and similar passages in the book of Psalms (e.g., Psalms 19 and 104) I see a similar pattern of discipline leading to discovery.  David gains insight from meditating on God’s word, and discovers truths about God and mankind through disciplined examination of nature.   

Conclusion:

Significant discoveries often result from focused examinations.  In our distraction filled world, focused examination of anything seems like a luxury.  We lose spiritual discoveries when we are not disciplined enough in our examination of God’s word and his creation.   How do you incorporate distraction free examination of God’s word and creation into your life?  I would love to hear your thoughts.

Contributor: Norman Christie

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

⁶ So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.  Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, ⁷ and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!”  ⁸ But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. ⁹ No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”  (Genesis 39:6 – 9, New International Version)

Theme:  The Wisdom of Discipline

Title:  Discipline and Defiance

Reflection:

Many disciplined individuals at times exhibit a defiant or stubborn streak in the face of powerful opposition.  When obstacles arise, they stick to their resolve and focus on their goals.  Defiance is sometimes viewed negatively, but used wisely it works hand in hand with discipline.  

As I reflect on today’s Scripture passage I am struck by Joseph’s resolve.  Potiphar’s wife had power over him, but he proudly opposed her authority, defied instant gratification, and submitted to the highest authority, God.  This kind of defiance marked Joseph as a man of integrity.  This character trait was exhibited by Joseph in other circumstances as well.  For example, despite having every right to be angry with his brothers who mistreated him, Joseph demonstrated the resolve to show them kindness.  A real nugget for me in the passage is Joseph’s motivation to be defiant.  He was determined not to sin against God. 

Conclusion:

To be disciplined we can benefit from the kind of defiance that says, “How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”   If we are tempted to think that Joseph’s defiance is beyond us we are reminded that ^“we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” (2 Corinthians 4:7 – 9)

When discipline requires defiance, what encourages you most to stick to your resolve?

Contributor: Karen Christie

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23, New International Version)

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10, New International Version)

Theme:  The Wisdom of Discipline

Title:  Discipline and Design

Reflection:

How are we designed for discipline?   For sound scientific reasons, a biological/psychological answer would certainly include references to the brain.  Without negating the contribution of science, as I think about discipline, I find references to the heart in the Old Testament interesting and informative.  For context it is important to note that Old Testament references to the heart involved much more than the physical organ.  For example, in the Jewish prayer called the Shema there is a reference to the heart (“Hear O Israel the LORD is our God the LORD is one, and as for you, you shall love the LORD your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, and with all of your strength.” – Deuteronomy 6:4-5).  The word for heart used here is pronounced as levav or lev.  The important takeaway is that this references a broad concept of thoughts, desires, will and emotions. 

Often, when I think of discipline I associate it with fixing my mind on some behavior until it becomes second nature. However, the focus on the heart in our Scripture passages today expands my thinking.  If our heart (the core of our being) isn’t committed to God’s desires then our discipline is misaligned. We could become disciplined in thoughts or actions that are not God honoring.  Proverbs 4:23 emphasizes the importance of protecting our heart from which all our actions flow.  Psalm 51:10 captures David asking God to replace his sinful or misaligned heart. David knows only God can create and make his heart new. The verse goes on to say, “renew a steadfast spirit.”  In other words, a disciplined (control gained by enforcing obedience) spirit.  

Conclusion:

As believers, discipline demands a heart (inner being) that is intentionally tuned to God. This requires God creating a new heart in us.  Where discipline is concerned, we will sometimes fall short but knowing we serve the Creator who knows our design gives us confidence that we can get up and move forward. 

Are you encouraged by God’s knowledge of our design?  I would love to hear your thoughts.

Contributor: Bridget Jeffries