Weekly Devotional 11-1-21
Why is Christian Discipline Necessary?
Discipline is necessary in all walks of life for without discipline many things that could have been do not come to fruition, or worse, many times the lack of discipline is followed by a lack of self-esteem, self-doubt, and feelings of failure. By definition, discipline is the bringing under control of one’s-self in conformity to accepted principles of the given society, be it secular or Christian. Granted, the Christian walk is different than the secular walk in that the Christian is aided by the Holy Spirit of God who directs his paths, encourages him in his walk, and influences his mind toward pleasing God. Still, to be successful in whatever the pursuit may be there is the involvement of self in discipline. The apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans wrote, “I beseech you, brothers, by the mercies of God present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). His direction and encouragement to them is applicable to all Christians. We are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice unto the Lord. In context, Paul’s Holy Spirit inspired words were and are not a request or a suggestion, but a command.
In another letter Paul penned these words “17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk (The None Christian walks), in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:17-32).
We note that Paul’s exhortations were/are a call to action. Action that requires discipline. Certainly, this is as applicable to us as it was to the Ephesians.
May the Lord grant us strength to live a life of discipline, a life that will set us apart from those of the world and glorify Him.
Steve
stevelampman.com
Transforming Power; the Work of God on Behalf of Man