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If you made a list of all your favorite words, would “discipline” be one of them? I rather doubt it; I don’t think it would make my list. To me, discipline is a chore, a major chore, and if I could find some way to get through life without it, accomplishing what I want to accomplish, believe me, I would try.
So why am I talking about discipline, and why would I title this series “The Joy of Discipline”? Because even though we don’t like the word and what it represents so much, the truth is: Discipline is necessary. It’s necessary, that is, if you truly want to accomplish something worthwhile in your life and reach your objectives. It’s necessary if you want to turn your dreams into accomplishments. It’s necessary if you’re not willing to settle for mediocrity or mundaneness.
And let me just make one point which is so very critical:
Lack of discipline is self-inflicted suffering!
Discipline is not fun—at least not all the time! But, if you refuse to impose discipline on yourself, you will inflict suffering on yourself. As someone has said, “We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”
So, choosing discipline over regrets makes for joy! There is joy in being a disciplined person.
Here are some verses from Proverbs that tell us the value of discipline:
“For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life” (Proverbs 6:23).
“Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored” (Proverbs 13:18).
“Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding” (Proverbs 15:32).
Wise Solomon points out that discipline brings understanding and honor, avoids poverty and shame, and is the way to life. Imposing needed disciplines is guaranteed by God’s Word to make wonderful, joyful changes in your life.
Of course, that takes intentionality—you have to make it happen. I’m going to give you some easy, practical suggestions that may help you impose discipline where you need it. I will be sharing from my own struggles and failures and—believe it or not—successes. I am living proof that anyone can acquire discipline!