What you discipline yourself in tells much about who you are and what you value. Maybe you are a person who keeps their house spotless. You may faithfully wake up and exercise day after day. Perhaps you never skip worship on Sunday.
Of course, we’re assuming that you discipline yourself in something. Maybe you don’t. There may be things you value, but you rarely do them consistently. You might be already planning goals for the New Year, but you haven’t taken action in those areas since last February.
You may fall somewhere along this spectrum—disciplined in some areas, lacking in others. Consider your life and actions as they are today. Does discipline characterize your life? Let’s define what that means before we move forward.
Discipline means submitting to the effort and work required to reap the long-term result desired. What does that look like? Well, it’s usually simple, consistent, and intentional. It means showing up and committing yourself when you don’t feel like it. It means making the decision that works toward your long-term or big-picture desire and not giving in to the action that will provide instant comfort or satisfaction.
What does this demonstrate about who you are and what you value? We wouldn’t give the extra effort that discipline requires for something we deem unimportant. We will likely not be disciplined in areas we assume are very important. When we deeply value something and are willing to commit ourselves to the process, we act in discipline. This reveals what we believe. It shapes who we become.
We can discuss discipline in many ways, but I want to focus on the most important first. Disciplining yourself for godliness trumps all other disciplines (1 Timothy 4:7-8).
As we discipline ourselves to consistently hear from God (Bible reading, study, memorization), speak to God (prayer), trust & obey God, worship God, and be with the people of God, we will be transformed and renewed. That work is not a result of our discipline, but discipline enables us to receive this gift from God. God transforms hearts, minds, and lives. We submit. We accept the gift.
We discipline ourselves in these areas so that we continually know Him more. Our discipline demonstrates what we believe to be true about Him. Knowing Him more enables us to trust and obey Him more fully. This is continual work that requires discipline. If you are not faithfully hearing from God and speaking to God, it will be difficult to experience intimacy with Him and recognize His guidance in your life.
When you are spiritually disciplined to abide in the Lord, you will be able to experience and understand His presence, power, and guidance in your life. You will be able to discern the circumstances you are facing. You can trust and obey Him amid whatever you are facing. You’ll be able to make a decision consistent with God’s word. You’ll be able to love the people around you well. You’ll be able to work hard. You’ll be able to rest.
TAKEAWAY:
Consider your spiritual discipline before thinking about what you’ll take on or commit to in the new year. What changes can you make today to commit yourself to hearing from God, speaking to God, trusting and obeying God, worshipping God, and being with the people of God?
Brittany K. Miller 