1Corinthians 9:27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

      The Apostle Paul makes it clear that we need to apply discipline to our lives so that we live within the fullness of God’s grace that has been lavished upon our lives through Christ. Discipline is not something someone else can give us, we need to grow into it and allow the discipline to develop our character. What disciplines do you have working in your life right now? What knowledge have you acquired that came to you because you love discipline? Prov. 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. Have you mastered a discipline that has brought a quality of life to your soul, or, as the proverb indicates, have you become a stupid person because you cannot be reproved? I am not the one saying anyone is stupid, I am reading the Proverb in its context, and it says if I hate the reproval of God’s discipline, then I will become a stupid person.

      The word of the Lord is filled with exhortations and admonitions to apply different disciplines to our lives. James says that if we could discipline our tongues, we would be able to control many other aspects of our lives. James 3:2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. The issue is, if we do not learn to discipline, control, or rein in our tongues, then the effects of what we say that is contrary to God’s will, can come back and destroy everything we have been trying to build. Eccl. 5:6  Don’t let your mouth make you sin. And don’t defend yourself by telling the Temple messenger that the promise you made was a mistake. That would make God angry, and he might wipe out everything you have achieved.

      We are to be disciplined when we sit down to negotiate for the things needed in life. Don’t just sign away your life because you want the purchase so badly. Prov. 23:1 While dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you. 2 And put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. 3 Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food. Control your impulses, and use the discipline of God’s Word to redirect your cravings. What is your discipline, and where are you exercising it? Where are you developing the gifts given to you by God?  Will we be able to give our Lord a return on the giftings we have received? Luke 19:15 “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. 16 “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ 17 “‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ Take charge of the responsibility God has given you, and become disciplined because your next task of faith will need directional help from God.

      We are to be disciplined in our work and not just give lip service to those who are expecting quality results from our lives. Eph. 6:5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your earthly masters, with respect for authority, and with a sincere heart seeking to please them, as service to Christ— 6 not in the way of eye-service working only when someone is watching you and only to please men, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. If we cannot get up and get ready for the day’s work, then we will falter when God asks us to do a hard thing. If we are not disciplined in the service of what God has given us to do, then we will not be faithful when the Lord asks us to step up to greater maturity and be a blessing to someone we feel does not deserve it. Instead of ministering from God’s heart, we will end up judging from our hearts.

      Job 36:10 He opens also their ear to discipline, and commands that they return from iniquity. The way back from sin and iniquity can be a hard road to walk upon if we do not have the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our willingness to return to the Love of the Father will take the dedication of a committed person to fulfill what God is asking of us. Once we have decided to repent and submit to the guidance of our Lord, it will take the wisdom and knowledge of God’s Word to walk circumspectly before Him. If we want to live in the shadow of the Almighty and bask in His surrounding love, then we need to be disciplined in heart and cleansed through the blood of Jesus. Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

      The question remains. What is your discipline? My discipline is what God helps me control through His grace, love, and strength so that I do not disqualify myself. 1Cor. 9:27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. How does one develop this discipline? We learn to love the disciplines in our lives and reap God’s knowledge. Prov. 12:1a Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge. If our hearts are to know Him, we must become hearers of His word, and obedient to respond to His leading. The love of God for each one of us is never in doubt. However, friendship and relationship with our Heavenly Father can only come through Jesus Christ the Lord, and through His loving discipline in our lives, we enjoy His eternal presence within our hearts. Our discipline is being loved and loving God. May we all become skilled at it.