Goodbye to Discipline?

When the word “discipline” was revealed as my word for 2006, I squared my shoulders and set my face like flint. My mind’s eye visualized discipline as a soldier succumbing to rigorous exercise, and fun wasn’t part of the equation.

Yet God is good. I fully trusted that the Lord knew what I needed to learn and that He had much to teach me in the coming months. I was not proven wrong.

I was given lessons (and related pop quizzes) on:
the discipline of my body through exercise, nutrition and proper sleep;
the discipline of my time by choosing God-given priorities and learning how to say “no” to all else;
the discipline of my mouth by speaking the truth in love and keeping silent when directed;
the discipline of prayer in turning to God in all things and delighting to do His will;
the discipline of duty in doing what I ought rather than what I desire;
the discipline of finances by recognizing need vs. want;
the discipline of keeping my home in orderliness;
the discipline of my mind by immersing it in Scripture, resisting temptation and taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

(The latter proved to be the most difficult of all.)

At the end of twelve months, can I now say that I am a completely disciplined person? Unfortunately not, though realistically I didn't expect to conquer my flesh in such a short period of time. I did well in some areas; I also confess to failing some of the pop quizzes.

I am thankful for the lessons, however. The pursuit of godly discipline was and is a worthwhile endeavor. I have experienced the blessings of discipline. I have also experienced the curses of neglecting it, which will hopefully be an effective deterrent to future lapses.

I have learned that choosing righteously is not always the bitter medicine I dread to swallow. Katy in Stepping Heavenward expressed it well: “I have learned one thing by yesterday's experience that is worth knowing. It is this: duty looks more repelling at a distance than when fairly faced and met.”

Above all, I was reminded over and over again that apart from the Lord I can do nothing. He is my Strength, my Sustainer, my Rock.

This is the start of a new year and a new word is in order. Does this mean I am ready to say goodbye to “discipline”? Not by a long shot. This student is still enrolled in Discipline 101, and I suspect the lessons will continue for some time to come.

"Blessed are those whose strength is in You." Psalm 84:5