New Reminders: Discipline
by Ardith Hoff
When we think about discipline, we often think about parents, teachers, coaches and others trying to teach children to behave in appropriate ways and to learn to become decent, law-abiding citizens. And that is generally, where discipline begins, but is far from where discipline should end. Discipline is a life-long learning process. Following the rules, does not end in childhood. The rules and even laws change, and people’s experiences sometime change how they think and act. Self-control is called for in every situation, and for Christians in particular, discipleship is the ultimate goal. Discipleship involves learning discipline, meaning to be instructed and trained in the values and behaviors required for living a Christian life.
We often think that discipline should be administered with a firm hand, and the term has sometimes been used synonymously with correction or punishment. In reality, discipline simply means to learn correct behavior. While we need to consider the possible consequences of our actions, it is just as important, if not more so, to think of the rewards for good behavior. Puppies are best trained with the promise of treats and only occasional reprimands. Jesus trained his followers with the promise of a more-fulfilling life on earth and an eternal life afterwards. The Apostle Paul wrote: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” 1 Corinthians 9:25
Jesus often taught, with parables, about what could happen if we do not live up to His standards, but He represented a break from the old-testament punishment model as a tool for teaching. He does warn that “the wages of sin is death” meaning that for those who choose to defy God’s laws and fail to repent and seek forgiveness, the ultimate punishment is eternal damnation. Like puppies, we too need to be brought up short from time to time, and we know that God does allow us to suffer negative consequences for our poor choices, and we are given a chance to learn to do better. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7. Yet, even fools can change their ways and repent of their foolishness. God is gracious even as He disciplines us as a father would his children––always with love. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 The bottom line is that as Christians, we must discipline ourselves to obey God our Father and to follow the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.