… and delight to see how disciplined you are …
Summary: Words often can be used in more than one way. The word “discipline” is one of those words. Paul is not thinking of external discipline, but the kind that flows naturally from a loving heart.
One definition of the word “disciplined” might be “Doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done.” That is a rather gentle definition and one that Paul might have liked. Another definition he might have liked is that being disciplined is like “knowing your place.”
When people of faith are disciplined, they work together without complaint. Each person is content, knowing that they are part of the body of Christ, and following the Spirit’s lead. The “feet” do not wish they were a “hand,” and the “hands” do not complain because they are not “eyes” (1 Corinthians 12:12-26).
The hallmarks of people like this are what Paul calls the “fruit of the Spirit.”
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
Another mark of a disciplined people is the absence of conflict. Discipline in the Lord leads to unity in the Body of Christ (John 17:23).
Imagine two sailboats, each with a crew of twenty people. On one boat, the crew constantly argues over who should do what. The person steering the ship is yelling at the two people in the bow watching the waves. The sails are flagging and flapping in the wind because they are not being tended to. Part of the crew is in the hold snacking and playing cards. The ship is struggling to stay on course, and no one seems to care.
The other boat is crewed by people who know their jobs. The cook is in the galley preparing meals. The helmsman is at the helm smiling because everything is “ship shape.” Sails are taut, and expert eyes are keeping a lookout to make sure the rigging is where it needs to be. If someone is not needed to man the sails, they are scrubbing decks or helping the cook.
As this second boat cuts through the water, she is a pleasure to watch. Every motion of the crew appears to be effortless. The hull slices cleanly through the waves, easily outpacing the first boat.
When Paul thinks of “discipline,” he might also be thinking of the word “humility.” As believers, we know who is King, and it ain’t us. We are grateful for the love and sacrifice shown by our Lord. Our only goal is to please Jesus.
Application: Be at peace with who God made you to be.
Food for Thought: How do we know if we are disciplined in the way that Paul uses the word?
How do we know if we are disciplined in the way that Paul uses the word?
I think a simple way, which requires humility and honesty in the presence of Christ, is what we allow to occupy our minds. Some people take this as not thinking about things, but I believe it means recognizing how our thoughts measure up to the Word of God, how they glorify God, and how they work toward the gospel of Christ. By recognizing and rejecting those that don’t, and embracing those that do, we demonstrate the discipline that Paul speaks of. This of course requires us to know the Word of God, and bind it to our heart.
My understanding of discipline is that it the guarding of the mind. The mind is a gateway to the heart. The Bible tells up to be disciplined with the thoughts in our mind.
2 Corinthians 10:5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ
Matthew 6:22-23 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Ephesians 6:17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
Colossians 3:1-3 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When we guard our mind, we keep sinful thoughts from entering our heart, and becoming sinful desire. Our heart is where Christ lives within us. We are keeping our temple wholly dedicated to the Lord. If the desires of our heart are not Christ-centered, it is a good indication that we lack the discipline that Paul speaks of.
Well said, Chris!
The battle is between the ears!
Great Points CH!
How do we know if we are disciplined in the way that Paul uses the word?
In the Bible, discipline is not merely a form of punishment, but it includes a broader concept of moral training, instruction, and correction that leads to spiritual growth, character development, and Christian maturity. Discipline involves a lifelong learning process of following Jesus and His way of life, and is a vital aspect of the spiritual life of the church and every follower of Jesus Christ.
Followers of Christ, know we are called to this lifelong journey of discipleship, learning to follow the truths revealed by the Holy Spirit in us as we become more Christlike. Through studying and application of the Bible, we can gain a deeper understanding of the role of discipline in our spiritual lives and how to embrace it as a tool for growth and transformation.
“And I will be a Father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:18
The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, Romans 8:16
As children of God we can be disciplined by the Lord.
Hebrews 12:5-11
Thanks, Ron!
“Lifelong learning… ”
Yep. That pretty well sums it up! 🙂
Good devotion brother. And good thoughts CH and R2T2.
According to Strong’s, the Greek word “Taxin”from “taxis” (thankfully not taxes 😊) means good order, orderly, position, rank, regular arrangement. It has a military background to the word. So this fits well with your devotional.
If we are listening to our commander, using our gifts and talents to serve Him, and doing our part in complete obedience without hesitation, then I think we are being disciplined as intended by this passage. Obviously we need to know God’s word and do His word to be disciplined.
Thanks, Rich!
Good point. We are not “askin’ for taxin” but we still have to pay them taxes anyway. 🙂
The military reference is an interesting one. The way I understood it (as has been commented on above) is that “taxis” is a form of self-control. How we come by that self-control is another matter. As Ron pointed out, a lifelong journey.