Written by: Terry Parkman
Discipline.
It’s not punishment or a consequence for an unworthy action. It’s a word and a concept that’s been twisted to mean something negative and militant.
True discipline embodies all that is virtuous and honorable. It has elements of focus, integrity, character and fidelity. It’s what is required from us to fulfill the calling that God has laid upon our lives. It wakes us up early in the morning to take care of everyday business that doesn’t seem spiritual but is necessary nonetheless.
It stays at the desk to finish work when you think you could be doing something else more, well, fun.
It keeps you faithful to your spouse when everything else tells you to deviate.
It sets your priorities in proper order: God, family, ministry and then everything else – in that order.
If Moses didn’t have the discipline and faithfulness to tend to sheep on the backside of the desert for 40 years, do you think God would have given him the children of Israel to watch over for the next 40?
If David wasn’t faithful and disciplined in serving his family, brothers and king, even when they ridiculed him and threw spears at him, would God have given him the authority to rule of the kingdom of Israel?
If Stephen wasn’t bold and disciplined enough to stand in the face of the mob and proclaim Jesus, would he have been allowed to know Christ in His sufferings and see his Lord standing at the right hand of God to honor him when he was being stoned?
Faithfulness is crucial to an enduring and growing walk with the Lord. Discipline is what keeps us on track to do so.
We have 80 years at best, some a little more, some less, and then eternity. Our time here in comparison with eternity is like a drop in an endless ocean. I would much rather live out my short, short time on earth in honor, righteousness and disciplined integrity than waste my time otherwise and have to be accountable for it when I stand before Christ on that day.
Discipline is only the means, not the end. With that kept in proper perspective, the mountains that stand in our way turn to dust.
-Terry Parkman is student ministries pastor at Evangel Assembly of God. You can follow his blog at www.unorthodoxsaints.tumblr.com.~
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