We generally equate the word discipline with kids don't we? It's often tied to conversations about raising kids, followed by whatever other random conversation us ladies get into, generally revolving around food or our thighs, or probably both.
Discipline. Excuse me, there I go cussing again.
But really, I've been thinking about this topic for many years now, as it relates to the life I try so desperately to lead and yet fail at miserably, often. And then this thought smacked me the other day:
DISCIPLINE BRINGS FREEDOM
#girlwithbighairsaywhat?
The D word brings freedom. It does. It really, really does.
The Book of Hebrews says this: "No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way."
Peace. That's what we all long for right, to live in peace? We NEED peace. Our minds need peace, our hearts need peace, our bodies need peace. People search the globe for it and look to Presidents to bring it but alas, many don't find it. Why? Well, may I pose one reason? No discipline.
The general thought of this world is quite the opposite than what I'm proposing here isn't it? Many people would say that discipline keeps you bound, that it is oppressive and depressive and just plan boring.
When we live an un-disciplined life, we live in chaos. When we allow our emotions to rule us and then we act out of those emotions, we say whatever comes to mind, destructive or not. It breeds chaos. When we are un-disciplined in our finances, when we don't honor God with what belongs to Him anyway, when we go on spending benders when we can't afford it, it breeds chaos. When we eat in an un-disciplined manner, well, I think we all know the effects of that, hence our conversations surrounding food and thighs!
The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom, and Shalom has a phenomenal translation. In Hebrew, Shalom means this: "Destroying the authority that brings chaos in your life."
So many times we are crying out for peace, we are searching for peace, we are doing all we can to obtain peace; we blame our lack of peace on our circumstances, and sometimes yes, the challenges that fall into our path do seek to rob of us peace. But, more often then not, WE are responsible for the lack of peace in our lives because we simply won't destroy the authority that brings chaos into our lives. Why? Because it's usually ourselves.
We allow ourselves to live below our God given dignity. We accept crap into our lives and choose mediocrity over excellence. And it all breeds chaos.
When we choose discipline, we get freedom. Sounds like an oxymoron but indeed they are synonymous, they are one in the same. You like my use of big words don't ya. I is smart.
Disciplined words bring healthy and fruitful relationships. Disciplined finances bring an abundance of supply. Disciplined eating and exercise bring lifelong rewards.
I'm tired of living in chaos in certain areas, aren't you? I'm tired of blaming my circumstances and moving from one excuse to the other, to avoid the necessary discipline I know I need to accept. I'm ready for the harvest of peace promised in Hebrews 12. I'm ready to cuss.
Discipline. There, I said it. And I'm not sorry ;)
