Discipline is a dull word for many in our, selfish society. Nevertheless, for a Christian, DISCIPLINE IS A DEVOTED ASPECT OF WHO WE ARE. In fact, the entire word “Christian” is simply another word for disciple.
“And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” (Acts 11:26) Disciple is simply a form of the source word “discipline”. So, discipline and being a disciple go hand in hand. TO BE A CHRISTIAN, WE MUST BE DISCIPLINED. But the question is how, and in what ways? WITHOUT THE PROPER RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, EVERYTHING ELSE THAT WE DO IS MEANINGLESS. So, we must start with the spiritual substance. In the 6th chapter of Matthew, Jesus mentions three different things that we can do to deepen our relationship with God. These three things are:
- PRAYING (SPEAKING/SEEKING TO LISTEN TO GOD ALONE): “And when you pray…” (Matt. 6:5) Jesus repeats this in verse 6 and 7.
- FASTING (DEDICATING OUR MEALS TO GOD): “When you fast…” (Matt. 6:16) Jesus repeats this in verse 17.
- GIVING TITHES, OFFERINGS, GIVING TO THE POOR (or acts of charity). “…when you give to the poor…” (Matt. 6:2)
We as Christians need to discipline ourselves to CONTINUALLY do these things, if we are to stay in favour with God. A few good questions to ask ourselves: How many meals have I missed in the past week? How much time did I spend in private prayer with God? How much money, or in what way, did I give to help the poor? These are the beginning steps to spiritual growth.
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us CONTINUALLY OFFER TO GOD a sacrifice of praise– And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for WITH SUCH SACRIFICES GOD IS PLEASED.” (Heb. 13:15-16)
CONTINUALLY SEEK THE LORD SO WE ALWAYS DO WHAT PLEASES HIM!
-Bill Stockham