What comes to your mind when you think of discipline? Many of us tend to look at discipline as an unwanted, but necessary aspect of life. It’s something we need to do, but don’t necessarily want to do. The author of the book of Hebrews gives us a helpful perspective on the subject of discipline. Discipline is not only evidence of God’s love and concern for your life, but it’s an opportunity for you to grow.

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. (Hebrews 12:11)

We see that discipline is difficult, even sorrowful at times. The word “discipline” in this verse, was the word used to describe the training of children and it involves total life training with an emphasis on the cultivation of mind and morals. We derive our English word, paideia, from this Greek word.

Discipline may come upon us providentially, as we go through life. God uses events in our lives to us help us grow in Christlikeness. You must realize that God is more concerned with your holiness than your happiness.

Discipline may also be self-imposed, as you participate with God in your growth and practice the spiritual disciplines. Deliberate practice is a type of discipline that is purposeful and systematic. While regular practice might include mindless repetitions, deliberate practice requires focused attention with the specific goal of improving your performance. Deliberate practice is hard work and requires tenacity, if it was easy then anyone could do it. God is calling you to do things that you never imagined that you could do so you can be what you always wanted to be.

Hard times can teach us what we refuse to learn in good times. The Apostle Paul tells us to discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness. In what ways are you disciplining yourself for the purpose of godliness?

This verse teaches us that we will grow if we have been trained by discipline. We derive our English word “gymnastics” from the word train. This word conveys the idea of laying aside any encumbrances that would keep us from the goal. The road of discipline leads to a rewarding destination. If that’s true, then why don’t we take that road? We don’t because it’s hard!

Challenging times provide an opportunity for growth. We like to be in our comfort zone because it’s comfortable; however growth does not occur there, it’s only when we step outside that we can grow. Smooth seas never made skillful sailors.

This is why we need to demonstrate tenacity. Tenacity is the strength of character that enables you to continue on even when you feel like giving up. How can you find the way to press on through the hard times? As you keep your eyes on Jesus you will find the strength to carry on and not lose heart.

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3)