Most people are scared of the word \u2018Discipline\u2019. It can feel strict, uncomfortable or even painful. However, the Bible has a different view. The Bible shows discipline as a gift from God that shapes us into who we\u2019re meant to be.\u00a0<\/p>
Discipline is the art of success.\u00a0<\/em><\/p> If you\u2019ve ever had a goal in mind, you\u2019ll know it takes discipline to get there.\u00a0<\/p> A running race, you have to practice and build up your stamina, and this takes discipline. Cristiano Ronaldo is known to be one of the greatest footballers in the world, and he was very disciplined in his training and was always first to arrive and last to leave.\u00a0<\/p> A fruit tree, for example, if you want fruit from the tree, you have to be disciplined in its care to prune it, and in time, you\u2019ll have a bounty to harvest.\u00a0<\/p> Discipline feels tough, but it brings growth and fruit.\u00a0<\/p> <\/p> God\u2019s Discipline:<\/strong><\/p> (Proverbs 3:11-12)<\/p> \u201cMy son, do not despise the Lord\u2019s discipline \u2026 for whom the Lord loves, He corrects.\u201d<\/p> The point is, God\u2019s discipline is not punishment, but love.<\/strong> Just like a parent corrects a child, God guides us away from what harms us.<\/p> Instead of resisting, we can learn to welcome His correction as care.\u00a0<\/p> <\/p> Self-Discipline\u00a0<\/strong><\/p> (1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Timothy 1:7)<\/p> \u201cBut I discipline my body and bring it into subjection\u2026\u201d<\/em> (1 Cor. 9:27)<\/p> \u201c\u2026 God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.\u201d<\/em> (2 Tim. 1:7)<\/p> Here, the point is that spiritual maturity requires training ourselves. Paul compares it to an athlete, daily habits, intentional choices, and focus.\u00a0<\/p> With the Spirit\u2019s help, self-discipline is possible. This isn\u2019t about legalism, but aligning with God\u2019s will.\u00a0<\/p> <\/p> The Fruit of Discipline<\/strong><\/p> (Hebrews 12:11; Job 5:17)<\/p> \u201cNo discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace\u2026\u201d<\/em> (Heb. 12:11).<\/p> \u201cBut consider the joy of those corrected by God!<\/p> Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin.\u201d (Job 5:17)<\/p> Discipline is always forward-looking; it yields fruit in the future.\u00a0<\/p> Like planting a seed, the results don\u2019t come immediately, but with patience and dedication to caring for it, the harvest is real.<\/p> Don\u2019t quit your discipline because you can\u2019t see results yet. This is the time to push through. Keep digging; you may be three feet from gold.\u00a0<\/p> <\/p> God\u2019s discipline is proof of His love. Our self-discipline is proof of our devotion. The fruit of discipline is proof of His faithfulness.<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> Prayer<\/strong><\/p> Lord, help me to see Your discipline as love. Teach me self-discipline through Your Spirit, and let my life bear the fruit of righteousness and peace. Amen.<\/p> <\/p> - Nathanael Shepherd, Founder & CEO<\/p> <\/p> Sign up to my newsletter so you don\u2019t miss my next blog\ud83d\udce9\u00a0here<\/a><\/p> My personal\ud83d\ude01\u00a0Instagram<\/a><\/p> Follow my photography\ud83d\udcf8 on\u00a0Instagram<\/a><\/p> Shop latest products\ud83d\uded2\u00a0here<\/a><\/p> Buy me a coffee\u2615\ufe0f\u00a0here<\/a><\/p>