Discipline
is a bad word in our culture today. Although, when surveyed, people will often
say we need more discipline in our society, many of these same people actually
work against it in the daily habits of their own lives, and in the lives of
their children. Why? Because in our society discipline infers the values of
self-control and self-denial, things we are loath to do as Americans.
Discipline, like the habit of flossing, is for our own good, and, whether the
good we seek is dietary, financial or time management, we need to recognize
that our most important discipline need involves our spiritual lives.
Disciplining ourselves
to actively develop basic spiritual habits is essential if we are serious about
growing as followers of Messiah Yeshua.
According
to the dictionary, discipline means “Training
that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.” In other words, discipline is an active pursuit toward personal development. The
Hebrew word for discipline comes from lamad, to
learn, from which we get the word disciple talmid: one who has learned, accustomed oneself,
been trained. The word is often used as a challenge in Scripture to live
out God’s Instructions.
God expects his people
to learn of him and to actively accustom themselves to living their lives his way!
Paul
states in Romans 12:2, “…do not be
conformed to the standards of this world. Instead, keep letting yourself be transformed
by the renewing of your minds; so that you will know what God wants and will agree
that what he wants is good, satisfying and able to succeed.” Don’t be spiritually
passive about your spiritual disciplines. Live up to God’s expectation as a
faithful talmid!
Forward
for Messiah,
Kirk
Gliebe
Rabbi &
Director
