Tag Archives: discipline

August 23
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“Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.”  (Proverbs 10:17, NIV)

In what things do we display “discipline”?

Is it in the practice of unceasing prayer?  Is it in the practice of hospitality?  Is it in the practice of humility?  Is it in the practice of valuing time in worship with others?

Know it or not; like it or not, our children, and our peers, and our co-workers, and our neighbors, and the casual stranger are watching us live our lives.  Do they see within us a discipline that “shows the way to life”?

Conversely, when we ignore discipline and correction, our lives shift to a path that leads nowhere — and know it or not; like it or not, others follow.

Heeding the discipline of healthy and holy habits not only delivers us, but it delivers others to life, as well.  – Luther

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March 17
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“People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.”  (Proverbs 10:17, NLT)

We, who have lived more than half of our allotted years, are at heightened risk of “going astray” in two basic ways: (1) Because we’ve “seen it all,” we are less open to a corrective word from someone else, especially if they are younger or less experienced than we, and; (2) people who might help us may be put-off when we don’t appear approachable or teachable.

Truth is truth, whether from the lips of an angel or from the mouth of a jackass (that is, the jackass of Numbers 22); and help is help, whether from a brother or from a stranger.

Endeavor to be open to God’s discipline and His words of correction.  The Lord uses many personalities, agents, and circumstances to guide His people in the way that leads to life!  – Luther

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February 19
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“Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping.  ‘Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?’  he asked Peter.  ‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.'”  (Matthew 26:40-41, NIV)

We are full of potential!  Of all of the influences that conspire to limit our achievement and hobble the power of the spirit within us, physical fatigue is arguably the most formidable.

Then, we are tempted to excuse our failure to follow-through on our physical limitations: We are old (or young); we are ill-positioned; we are exhausted; we are handicapped.  Jesus did not expect the disciples to do more than any of them were able.  He never did.  He expected only that they watch with Him for 60 minutes.

Our physical limitations are real, but they are not insurmountable — especially if we are willing to pray as we stand watch; and watch as we stand praying.

Our physical limitations are real, but they are not insurmountable — especially if we are willing to include those nearest to us in the task.

What might have been the outcome, despite their fatigue, had the 11 disciples chosen (as Paul and Silas did some years later in prison; please see Acts 16:22-26 for the full story) to pray and sing hymns to release the spirit; energize the flesh — and see the power of God come down?  The spirit is willing!  Are we? – Luther

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