Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. (Proverbs 12:1, ESV)
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? (Hebrews 12:7, ESV)
With rare exceptions, most PGA Tour players live disciplined lives. If you ever watched Feherty, you’ll know that most tour players have serious regimens to achieve their maximum performance.
Whether it’s Dustin or Justin, these players iscipline themselves with dietary habits, time management, and swing mechanics; many tour players also leverage their chances by adding sports psychologists and strength coaches.
It is no longer sufficient to have great talent to win on tour consistently. If a player hopes to increase his competitive edge and sustain his longevity, he must have a balanced life. And that requires discipline.
Analogously, Scripture has a lot to say about discipline. Studying the Word, developing a prayer life, and taking every thought captive all require discipline. Discipline is required to grow in grace. It is also essential if we are to avoid drift.
To follow Christ, we must discipline ourselves for spiritual formation and maturation. If experience teaches us anything, we know that far too many find themselves coasting. The problem with coasting is that you eventually come to a complete stop.
At core, many of Jesus’ disciples don’t have a discipline problem; they have a desire problem. After all, the disciplined or undisciplined life normally follows the heart’s desires. Said another way, we work for that which we truly desire.
Keeping our eyes on the prize energizes the will to commit to the necessary disciplines to achieve it. This realization, begs the question—”How does one create new desires or revitalize flagging ones?”
One way to stir the soul is through healthy self-talk. We see the Psalmist engaged in this throughout the Psalms (cf., Psalms 42, 43). An honest conversation with oneself will do wonders for the soul, especially if our conversations are filled with scripture.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones once asked, “Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself?” He is entirely right. Reciting scripture to our souls will, over time, alter the course of your life.
Of all the messages you might communicate to yourself, regularly remind your soul, “…the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9, NIV).
Additionally, remind your soul you have no interest in “riding the pine.” Say to yourself, “The Lord called me to himself for a purpose.” Say to the Lord, “Put me in, Coach; I can do it.” The thought of being “useful to the Master” will strengthen even the weakest of wills (2 Timothy 2: 20-21). But if the Lord is to use you, you must be prepared. And that requires sustained discipline.
I had a college roommate whose God-given abilities to play golf were, quite simply, extraordinary. He would eventually go to Q-School and qualify for the PGA Tour. I can’t count how many times I’ve met someone who admired his golfing acumen.
The last time I saw him, many years ago now, was on a practice range at 7:00 am. He was getting ready for what would be one of his few remaining appearances on the PGA Tour. He had a 7 UP bottle filled with Vodka. Tragically, an undisciplined life eventually cost this amazing player many unrealized achievements.
May we lay aside everything that prevents us from “being useful to the Master.”
Prayer- Lord, discipline us that we might share in your holiness. Create in us fresh desires to be “useful to the Master.”