“No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭11‬ ‭CSB‬‬

There are a couple of meanings for discipline. The author of Hebrews is talking about the discipline a parent gives their child. But I want to talk about the discipline of physical training. It is similar, and I have more recent experience with it.

Both kinds of discipline are unpleasant at the time, as today’s verse says. But both are meant to improve the life, health, and character of the one being disciplined.

I used to participate in a “boot camp” exercise program twice a week. I absolutely hated going, but I managed to get into a habit and attended regularly for a few years. I remember during some of the exercises thinking, “I can’t wait for this to be over!” But I was always glad I did it after it was done.

In general during that time I felt fit and strong. I was confident that I could run up a flight of stairs and not be winded or go on any hike without difficulty or play a few hours of tennis with no issues. I rarely got injured. And a friend told me she heard me described by someone as being “ripped.” I think that was definitely an exaggeration, but I was happy about it.

Then one day we moved to a new city and away from my exercise class. I got out of the habit of exercising — I lost my discipline. I was busy getting settled in my new town. I enjoyed not dreading the classes twice a week, but I noticed by body changing. I hurt my knee stepping off a curb. I was winded walking up a long flight of stairs. I could barely do a few pushups. My clothes started fitting too snugly. And I just felt weak and tired a lot.

I didn’t have my discipline anymore and it showed! Instead I had comfort and leisure, but the result was weakness and lethargy.

This is true of spiritual discipline too. If I get in the habit of reading the Bible and praying every day, I will be strong when challenging times arrive in my life. I will be able to meet them with the confidence that God provides instead of despair and defeat.

Life is busy and setting aside time for the discipline of Bible study and prayer and meeting with other believers isn’t always something I look forward to at all. In fact, I may even dread it. But as I discovered with my exercise class, “no pain, no gain” is really true. And I’m always glad it did it afterwards.

Dear God,

Thank you for reminding me that the time and energy I spend on learning about you and contemplating your will is highly worthwhile. Help me to recognize the benefits of my investment in my relationship with you. Forgive my laziness, selfish desire for comfort, and misplaced priorities. Give me the strength and wisdom to keep working hard at my faith.