“He who withholds the rod [of discipline] hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines and trains him diligently and appropriately [with wisdom and love].”

Proverbs 13:24 AMP

Discipline is an important process for the development of a successful life! All men being sons and daughters of Adam have the same internal problem, a sin nature! We are born with it, we live with it, and we will die with it still trying to have its own way. The Scripture today reminds us that we must all yield under the discipling hand of our father! First, we need to understand the word discipline. While conjuring up visions of being called to the principal’s office to a swat  on the rear-end, disciple is a much broader process. The Hebrew word here is the activity of “exercising complete control over one’s desires and actions.” The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth,

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run [their very best to win], but only one receives the prize? Run [your race] in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours! 25Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither]. 26Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow boxing]. 27But [like a boxer] I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached [the gospel] to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified [as unfit for service].”

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 AMP

Notice the words “I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave…” The Apostle Peter describes the process of overcoming sin as suffering.

“So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.”

1 Peter 4:1 AMP

Now the administration of discipline does involve at times the administration of some discomfort behind, it however also has other meanings. It can mean the process of advising someone of the “impending danger of certain behavior.” Paul commanded us to warn others,

“We [earnestly] urge you, believers, admonish those who are out of line [the undisciplined, the unruly, the disorderly], encourage the timid [who lack spiritual courage], help the [spiritually] weak, be very patient with everyone [always controlling your temper].” 

1 Thessalonians 5:14 AMP

It can mean to provide instruction in a formal setting. I love Kittle’s definition, “to be in command of one’s desires and make one’s heart obedient controlling the desires of the body.” (Kittles Theological Dictionary of the New Testament.) Remember Proverbs 7? The description of the young man not walking in discipline.”

 “With her many persuasions she caused him to yield; With her flattering lips she seduced him. 22Suddenly he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter [not knowing the outcome], Or as one in stocks going to the correction [to be given] to a fool, 23Until an arrow pierced his liver [with a mortal wound]; Like a bird fluttering straight into the net, He did not know that it would cost him his life.

Proverbs 7:21-23 AMP

We are told that the guide for the process of discipline can be found in the scriptures,

“All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]:”

2 Timothy 3:16 AMP

Discipline isn’t an easy process! Bringing our lives into submission is totally opposite of the desire of the flesh. We can clearly see the results today in society of those who cannot control their wants. The looting, fighting, killing, and twisted sexual perversions are all driver from the point of self-satisfaction and will ultimately lead to “mortal wound” of our society . We can however daily submit our lives under the guiding rod of the Shepard and walk in love and peace with each other.

Have a disciplined day! Pastor Ken