"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
Discipline, none of us probably really enjoy it. Whether you are a parent that has to discipline your children, an athlete that must maintain discipline or order to succeed, or a teacher who must use discipline in the classroom. We all probably cringe just a wee bit when the word discipline comes to mind.
However, in life discipline is often necessary. Just imagine what this world might be like if none of us had any, if it wasn't used, if no one practiced it. Discipline, it may conjure up different mental pictures for different people, from a "belt," to "long hours on the playing field," to a possible "red mark of disapproval."
What about "self-discipline," is it one in the same? Is it something that you practice, that you maintain? As a person of faith I realize that without discipline my life will not be one that is very pretty. The discipline that the Bible speaks of includes that of "self-discipline."
Our own self-discipline is what brings about in us our character. Character is important for a person of faith, because it is the "proof" that we are who we say that we are, it is what we are when no one else is looking. It requires being honest with ourselves and with others, and it requires some amount of discipline.
While discipline may seem unpleasant at first, as the verse states, "it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace." Do you struggle for peace? Check your discipline…
photo credit: jfg
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Fantastic post and message, Alyssa.