Discipline is a dirty word. The mere mention of it evokes furrowed brows, frowns, and disdain. The concept has been dismissed as irrelevant and outdated.

The Oxford Dictionary defines discipline as:

(1) the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience;

(2) to train oneself to do something in a controlled and habitual way.

We lack discipline.

We want what we want and we want it now!

The pinnacle of offense is to tell us we cannot have or do something. Excess is the theme—the perpetual pursuit of happiness via material acquisition. We are insatiable. Often the punishment is actually getting exactly what we demanded.

Those in loving union with Christ will be disciplined. Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Disciples are to be trained and live in such a way that conforms to the criteria of Christ.

Again the Master says, “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:19).

The disciplined life is one of simplicity, consistency, and conformity to Jesus Christ. It is a daily journey of loving obedience, devotion to the Lord, and help to humanity.

Disciplined disciples do not require the same things that others need. They are defined by the transforming grace of God at work within and through them, not by adhering to current trends of society.

They can see beyond the momentary and get a glimpse of the eternal. Discipline means that they are consistently training by means of prayer, in reading the Scriptures, worshiping together with the church, and helping their neighbors.

They are followers of the One who lived with a singular agenda—to do the will of His Father who sent Him.

There is a cost to disregarding discipline.

Paul testified, “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Apparently, we can sabotage our journey with self-indulgence. We have to recapture the truth that there are times when we need to tell ourselves “No!”

“He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray.” (Proverbs 5:23 ESV)

We have been badly deceived about discipline. It’s an absolute necessity for every believer in Christ.

Instead of wincing at the word let’s embrace the discipline that makes real disciples.

When the Holy Spirit corrects us (even by using a pastor who’s faithful in proclaiming the Word) we ought to receive it for what it is—genuine love guiding us into a deeper walk with the Lord—making disciples.