Instilling Discipline

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And 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. 6For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. 7It 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? 8If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons." (Hebrews 12:4-8)

Hebrews 12 has been a staple in the list of passages of my life that get me through moments filled with adversity. Specifically in the case of Hebrews 12, there was running and parenting that these words gave me inspiration and hope. Running was the highlight of verses 1 - 3 and parenting 4 - 20.

We use the word discipline loosely today to cover the gamut of "things we do to keep people in line." Mostly our own children, but we "discipline" employees, other people's children at school or in team sports, and a host of other times when we discipline a child/person for inappropriate behavior with adverse actions to attempt to punish someone. In short, we misuse the word discipline as a substitute for punishment.

We forget the root of the word discipline is "disciple." 

We seek to instill discipline in a child or young adult or older, less wise adults. If a disciple is a follower, then they are following a person, set of beliefs, a code or set of rules regarding study, behavior or other "discipline." My discipline in college was history, the study of and use of the past in our present day to attempt to forecast future events. You get the idea.

As disciples of Christ, the writer of Hebrews leans on language from Isaiah and Proverbs. As we instill discipline in our followers, we give them knowledge for handling adversity, including language of inspiration (will not grow weary or fainthearted - Isaiah). We remind them hardship is sharpening (Proverbs) that we have to endure to make us better. Disciples become disciplined followers.

In truth, as parents, we disciple our children in many codes and sets of beliefs. Our faith, our love of country and being a citizen, and what it means to be a member of this family are three that come to mind quickly. We pray that what we teach instills discipline for them when they strike out on their own. That is the heart of the message from Hebrews 12 and for us as disciples or followers of Christ.

Pray with me: Gracious Father, Help me to see adversity as a growth opportunity and builder of character. Thank you for the discipline you instilled in me and the parents you gave me sought to instill in me as well. Thank you for those you put in my path who also helped shape me along the way and who continue to do so. In your Son's name, Amen.