The Truth is the Light

By Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins

Hebrews 12:11 says, “Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Discipline, though necessary, is not a popular topic for discussion. Few of us are really comfortable imposing discipline on others. Conversely, even fewer of us are comfortable having discipline imposed on us by others.

Discipline is an important learned behavior that is essential to obedient living. It is a behavior that is taught. We must teach it to our children. It must be mastered by adults to be productive.

The Bible commands that if we are following Jesus, we must be disciplined. We are challenged to exercise godliness. Godliness is profitable for all things. Discipline yourself for godliness.

For Christians, discipline is not optional. It is essential and must incorporate self-control and perseverance. We must be disciplined in the physical, mental, social, and spiritual areas of our lives.

We see evidence all around that the standard of living has taken an unhealthy shift towards spiritual darkness. In this world of scientific genius, there appears to be an incredible void in the area of ethics and morality. We have sanctioned marital infidelity. Lying and cheating have been adopted as new norms and stealing has seemingly become an accepted part of doing business. We live in an undisciplined world and people who lack discipline often suffer greatly because of it! Though we live in an undisciplined society where it seems anything goes, it is critical for “spiritually mature” believers to develop and maintain self-control in their lives.

It takes work and certainly requires an extreme amount of personal sacrifice; yet, discipline is possible, critical,and worth the struggle even in these undisciplined times. Discipline not only yields great rewards here on earth but also for eternity. Honoring the Lord with our discipline will not come as a result of our strength but from the power of the Holy Spirit.

The power of the Holy Spirit will enable the development of self-discipline in our personal lives, our relationship with God, as well as our relationship with others. We must develop self-control to keep us from faltering on our Christian journey. Discipline is essential as without it we will be unable to experience the complete power of God in our lives. Without discipline, we cannot minister effectively to others.

Discipline is essential for our personal development. It is arguably the lack of self-discipline that can be attributed to unfulfilled potential. Not graduating from school or reaching the end of an academic or vocational challenge could be a result of a lack of discipline. Lack of discipline can certainly result in never completing a project or accomplishing a desired goal.

Personal discipline is necessary to develop and mature into healthy adults! We can point to Jesus Christ as an excellent example of a disciplined life. Luke 2:52 reminds us, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.”

Even Jesus needed self-discipline. Jesus needed to grow personally as He moved from childhood to adulthood. He provides for us an excellent role model highlighting the importance of Godly living. Just like Jesus kept growing personally, we have to discipline ourselves for godliness every day of our lives.