No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier’s aim is to please the enlisting officer. And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules. It is the farmer who does the work who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things. (2 Timothy 2:4-7)
Discipline conjures up the ides of obedience, rules, pain, suffering, self-denial, self-control. Bring in the soldier, the athlete and the farmer and discipline gains a persona. Discipline is a term that many in this generation cringe at, this generation that has been defined as the ‘microwave’ generation; instant gratification generation. To teach our children the path and value of discipline is to teach them the path to a satisfied life. A path to health, wealth and strength.
Soldiers, Athletes and Farmers are some of the most disciplined people around us. As a Kenyan, from the three I would readily identify with an athlete: we are after all the King of distance running in the world. When you observe an athlete and see the rigorous exercises and practice they subject themselves to for the purpose of winning a race then you begin to understand discipline. Discipline defines the rules, determines the process, and ultimately chooses the winner. And discipline is not just beneficial in this life – eating and drinking and exercise; but most importantly in the world to come – Study of God’s Word, prayer, conforming into the image of Jesus Christ. It takes discipline.
Question of the Day: In what way have you neglected the virtue of discipline in child raising and how can you make amends henceforth?
PRAYER
Father, thank you that your world touches every aspect of our lives. Discipline is a virtue that begets a fruitful Christian life. Father help us as parents to grow in our life and spiritual disciplines and then teach and pray the same to our children. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.
