Running to Win! -- Full message

 

I'm thankful for words of discipline and correction

It won’t always be the easiest way but God wants what’s best for us.

The Discipline of Intentionally Doing The Hard Things

It is often harder to do what’s right than to do what’s wrong.  (You’ve already made that startling discovery, right?)  This means there will be times in which we will have to be willing to do what is hard if we want to do what is right.

So consider this:  Many people, for obvious reasons, resist and avoid difficult things whenever possible.  This is understandable because hard things are… well… they’re hard.  And that’s not fun.

However, wise people willingly enter into the discipline of doing slightly less challenging hard things on a regular, consistent basis because that allows them to build the capacity to handle the more challenging harder things when they, inevitably, come along.

Free Pie Night And The Exercise of Discipline

A group of friends went out for Free Pie Night at Bakers Square after the Bible study at church this evening.  They know I’m not supposed to be eating pie late at night and yet they tempted me, anyhow.

“Mmm, this pie is delicious!!!” they said as they scooped large forkfuls into their mouths.

One person commented, “I have extra ice cream.”

“You know, Dan,” he continued, “It’s hard to describe how delicious it is because words are inadequate to depict all this yummy goodness!”

Yes, I admit that I was tempted.  After all, I’m human.  But I simply continued to sip my water and secretly do abdominal exercises in my chair.

“Discipline is its own reward,” I reminded myself as I smiled with life-affirming, inner satisfaction.

P.S.  It is late and there is a very slight chance I’m not remembering this exactly the way it happened.  But the account described above is pretty close.  Well, let me just assure you that this part is for sure:  I only had water.

P.P.S.  Did I mention that I really dislike water?

A Minute And A Half of God Stuff Podcast - No. 20

A life of discipline.

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Speaking And Acting In Love

Everything that Jesus does is rooted in love and is motivated by the love that is part of His nature.  Even His laws and boundaries—yes, even His discipline and correction are done in love.  Therefore, Jesus calls His followers to act, speak and live lives that are motivated by love, too.  I know it can be hard, sometimes, but we can’t follow Jesus and decide to opt out of loving people.

Be Glad For Discipline

“Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.” Proverbs 15:5.  Wise discipline is a lot like physical pain.  It doesn’t feel good but it has great value in bringing important truth to our attention.  Be glad that you can feel pain, it’s the body’s warning system.  Be glad for discipline, too.  It leads to growth and maturity.

Helping Someone Back Onto The Right Path -- Audio Podcast

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We're Disciplined By Those Who Really Love Us

If someone attempts to bring discipline or correction to your life—especially if he/she does it humbly and graciously—don’t be offended or hurt, this is a very clear indication that the person really cares about you.

Real Love Might Involve Gentle Correction

Extending love and grace to others does not necessarily mean we approve of everything that other people do. In fact, TRUE love might mean that we would help a person recognize error in his/her thinking, attitudes, or behavior.  It requires honesty and significant maturity to understand that real love might actually involve gentle correction.

Caring, Constructive Discipline Is An Act Of Love

The one who is being disciplined may interpret discipline as a form of punishment by someone who is being mean.  But the truth is that constructive discipline is generally administered only by those who honestly care about us.  We know from the Bible that God’s discipline is a manifestation of His love for us. “The Lord disciplines those he loves…” Heb.12:6