Day 37: Disciplined Followers

The goal of the act of “discipline” is to produce a character that has discipline. As a character attribute, it is a virtue. In the secular interpretation, the noun may mean a branch of knowledge. The verb simply means to train to do something in a controlled or habitual way. If you work in a carpentry related discipline (or profession), you have been trained to habitually follow practices that are known to be effective. You follow the code established by those who have gone before you. An apprentice, a student, or even a professional who does not follow the proven practice might receive “disciplinary action” (punishing or punitive action). Paul writes,

1 Cor 9:27: But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. (NET)

This passage is part of an analogy between the Christian life and running a race. Paul encourages the Corinthians to train and run vigorously that they might win the race. The Greek word translated here as “discipline” (hypōpiazō) is actually far from the root word where we derive our English word. But, it does carry the level of discipline that Godly men are called to. Hypopiazo means “to beat black and blue, to smite so as to cause bruises and livid spots.” In the analogy, only one competitor wins the prize. We must train as hard as it takes to be that one.

The English word “Discipline” derives from Latin. Our interest lies in the related word “disciple.” In New Testament Greek, the word is mathētēs. The word literally means only a student or pupil. But, Christ said “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matt 16:24) That’s a different level of commitment than just sitting in a classroom. The true disciples always did what they could to follow Christ’s commands (though they failed often). They left their homes and followed for three years without a guaranteed place to sleep at night. Eventually, they followed through persecution and unto death.

Ashley Fern wrote a great article, “Why discipline is essential to your character.” She relates concepts such as self-restraint, following the rules, and aligning actions to your goals. The bible puts it like this,

2 Peter 1:5: make every effort to add to your faith excellence; to excellence, knowledge; 6 to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; to perseverance, godliness; 7 to godliness, brotherly affection; to brotherly affection, unselfish love. 8 For if these things are really yours and are continually increasing, they will keep you from becoming ineffective and unproductive in your pursuit of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ more intimately. 9 But concerning the one who lacks such things—he is blind. That is to say, he is nearsighted, since he has forgotten about the cleansing of his past sins. 10 Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to be sure of your calling and election. For by doing this you will never stumble into sin. (NET)

Discipline is looking past the “now” and acting with long-term goals in mind. What is your long term spiritual goal?

What disciplined activities will it take to get there?

“Discipline” is one of those words that crops up in casual conversation and makes it immediately clear that there can be very different definitions. The word can be used as a verb or a noun. It's one of those that sometimes carries a lot of emotional baggage.

Faithful with Little