DISCIPLINE

"Discipline"

A lot of us cringe when we hear or see this word. When we see it, we imagine hours of painful and gruelling tasks. Some have always associated this word with suffering. But there is more to the word 'discipline' than just these. And most times, this virtue is needed in our most basic activities of life.

The Bible mentions self control as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Most people know it as the word "temperance". And like it or not, they both practically mean discipline(go check your Dictionary).

Our father in heaven expects us to be moderate in all things, excessive only in the expression of his love and life. Here's the catch though: it's not meant to be something you spend the rest of your life struggling to attain or exude. The Holy Spirit within us is the source of every fruit and gift. Because of this, discipline the Christian way entails yielding yourself 100% to God's leadings instead of obeying the impulses of your "heart" or "feelings".

We must never forget that expressing God's fruits happens in stages, in levels, phase after phase. What I mean is that, it is a process: adaily, 'moment-ly' one at that. There will be misses! Whether we choose to deny it or not, that remains the fact. But this is our hope; Christ in us. We know that because of him, we can only grow. God is very patient. And his gentleness and faithfulness is all we need to keep going.

I have come to realise that anything the father does to us, or gives to us, or wants from us, is always for our own good. Always!

Does this mean that just like the other fruits, Joy and Peace, Discipline changes our lives for the better? Yes, that's exactly what I mean!

If we keep the eyes of our hearts open, we'll realise that every excess we curtail by God's leading(emphasis on His leading) turns out to be one of the best decisions of our lives in the long run. God is building sons who are sound and stable in all areas, and diiscipline is one part in the whole symphony.

GO ACHIEVE

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