Discipline has at least two meanings. In one sense discipline is given to me by someone else when I have behaved in an undesirable way. This is typical of a caretaking relationship such as a parent and child, teacher and student, boss and employee, or even law enforcer and citizen. It can be a form of punishment or some kind of retraining activity, like getting a detention for talking in class at school or having to take a safe-driver course when being caught speeding.

In another sense, discipline is something I engage in voluntarily, like when I want to learn a new skill, start a new habit, change an old one, or improve at something I already participate in. For example, running regularly when training for a marathon requires discipline. This kind of discipline may also feel like a type of punishment!

In both cases, discipline comes because change is desired. And change is hard. By avoiding discipline I can avoid pain, but I won’t see any change either.

“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)

I don’t have anyone disciplining me anymore. As an independent adult, I can stay out as late as I want, eat whatever I feel like, and be lazy all day. But I’ve realized that way of life leads to its own kind of pain.

If I want energy to function, to enjoy things like playing tennis, and to have healthy and rewarding relationships and experiences, I must discipline myself. It’s hard to choose healthy food, dedicate myself to a regular sleep schedule, work a job, and exercise. But all those things make my life better.

The same is true with my relationship with God. I can ignore Him, put off reading His word, skip meeting with other believers, stop caring about people who need help. But spiritually, I will be stuck. I can’t grow that way. I’ll be missing out on the bounty of peace and joy God wants to give me.

The beautiful thing is that God promises to help me train. He is running right along beside me with encouragement. As long as I take those first few steps toward Him, He will show me the way and give me motivation, inspiration, and results.

Do you want change in your life? Well, you have to start with discipline. One step at a time.

Dear God, thank you for refusing to leave me as I am. I’m so grateful you want to push me to be stronger, to accomplish all that you have for me. Please forgive my stubbornness and teach me how to train to be your good and faithful servant. Thank you for the reminder of how much better my life will be when I do things your way.