Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death

Proverbs 19:18

Discipline could be defined as the exercise of the will to do what one does not want to do but is of great necessity; and to refrain from doing what one loves, because it may be harmful. It is a training of the mind for responsible living, with the foresight of avoiding displeasure as a result of disobedience or allowing restraint to shape behavior. It is a rod that guides the wise but ruins the unruly. The Bible is replete with several of both examples. Those who lacked self-discipline failed miserably at critical times in their lives. But those who had it became great men and women of faith.

Cain lacked self-discipline, so he killed his brother as a result (Gen. 4:6-8). With feet of clay, strongman Samson struggled with immorality until his life crumbled at the feet of Delilah (Judges 16:15-21). The premier king of Israel, Saul, couldn’t keep it together and finally lost the kingship for his family (1 Sam. 13:7-14). Wise King Solomon messed up with untamed lust for foreign women who infested Israel with their gods and turned his heart away from the Lord (1 Kings 11:1-3). For their disobedience, Israel suffered defeat and displacement at the hands of the Assyrians (2 Kings 18:9-12), while Judah went into exile in Babylon (25:1, 21). Judas Iscariot lacked the discipline of saying “no” to the lure of money. He betrayed Jesus (Matt. 26:14-15) and ultimately took his own life (27:5)

On the other hand, Noah was so disciplined that he built the Ark to save His family, while people mocked in unbelief (Gen. 6:22; 7:23). Esau despised his birthright and sold it for a bowl of red stew (25:29-34). His lack of discipline cost him his blessings (27:33-34). Joseph was disciplined enough to run away from a beautiful woman (39:6-12) and forgave his brothers when sweet revenge would have been the expected (50:19-21). Despite his terrible inner struggles (Rom. 7:25), Paul led a disciplined life. Though He suffered hardships (2 Cor. 12: 16-33), he prevailed to the end (2 Tim. 4:6-7).

Jesus is our ultimate example in discipline. He submitted to the Father and became a servant for our sake (Phil. 2: 5-11). In obedience to the Father’s will, He went to the cross for our redemption (Jn. 19:17; Col. 1:13-14).  

Life is all about discipline. Without it, there is no sustainable victory. Success becomes illusive, and joy, evasive. As Solomon says, “People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray” (Prov. 10:17).Thank God for self-control, a fruit of the Holy Spirit. In His power, we can lead a disciplined life that assures victory in all our engagements.

Remember, a disciplined mind yields a disciplined life, and a disciplined life leads to victorious living.