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)

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 us, but it’s an opportunity for us to grow.

The word discipline in this verse, was the word used to describe the training of children and it involved total life training with an emphasis on the cultivation of mind and morals. We derive our word paideia from this Greek word. Discipline may come upon us providentially, as we go through life. God uses these events in our lives to us help us grow in Christlikeness. We must realize that God is more concerned with our holiness than our happiness.

God is calling us to do things that we never imagined that we could do so we can be what we always wanted to be. Hard times can teach us what we refuse to learn in good times. We are 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 our goal. The pathway 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 a hard road.

Challenging times provide an opportunity for growth. We like to be in our comfort zone because it’s comfortable; however, growth does not occur in our comfort zone – 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 us to persevere even when we feel like giving up. How do we you find the way to press on through the hard times? As we keep our eyes on Jesus we 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)