The Disciplined Life

"But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world."  1 Corinthians 11:32

The worst self-proclaimed Christians I know are those who cling to their denominational roots and traditions rather than the truth of God's Word, the Holy Bible.

It doesn't seem to matter the denomination, either.  Each has its own set of arrogant followers who believe their way is better than all others, and that all the rest are misguided and condemned.

Yet, we read something so different in Scripture.  The call to the Christian is a call to discipline, not a denomination.  It is a call to trust and obey--absolutely and timely--not just when it suits us in our pristine lives of comfort and ease. 

It is no wonder Christianity flourishes under oppression.

Throughout Scripture, we find that Jesus, when forgiving sins, spoke with loving discipline.  When Jesus spoke to the woman caught in adultery, John 8:10-11 tells us, "Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”

When Jesus healed the lame man by the pool in Bethesda, John 5:14 says, "Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.”

The Holy Bible is filled with the call to living a life of disciplined obedience to the teachings of Christ, and that such discipline is enabled by the Holy Spirit working in our lives.

Romans 8:5-6 tells us, "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.  For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."

Hebrews 12:5-13 speaks so powerfully about discipline, "And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?  “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”  It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?  If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.  Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?  For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.  For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.  Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed."

Whether things seem out of control, or you feel you're in total control, I pray that you would have the discipline to give Jesus control of your life--in every aspect--today.

Goodnight, Runners.

P.S.  The following link is a powerful documentary about the spread of the gospel in Iran.  It is about 2 hours, free on YouTube, and well worth the watch.  God bless you!

Sheep Among Wolves