Discipline And Godliness

To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

 

Colossians 1:27

 

 

 

Paul charged Timothy to discipline himself to godliness, but he was not implying that discipline equals godliness. Instead he is suggesting that he discipline himself for the purpose of godliness.

 

We all know people who are very disciplined, but far from being anywhere close to being godly. Discipline only for discipline's sake is worthless, and only when attached to a goal which we are setting out to obtain will the act of discipline be worthwhile.

 

However, our goal, and not our discipline, should be what sets us apart.

 

For example, we say that a person is a great athlete, because with the application of discipline to their life, they have achieved their goal. When a runner puts in many long hard hours of training and on the day of the final race wins we exclaim, "What a great runner."  The runner's goal was to win the race. That is what he is known for—being a great runner.

 

Many hours of training went into preparing for the race, but it was just the means to an end.

 

Many believers get confused when it comes to discipline and discipline has no benefits if we go through the motion of pure discipline. Thus, discipline does not equal godly character, but is only a means to achieving godly character.

 

So what about discipline makes us able to attain our goals?

 

As a runner trains for a marathon, they gave to discipline their body for the race—goal—ahead. While training they will notice that not only is their body changing physically, but their mental attitude is as well. They notice that their weight, pulse, and blood pressure all decrease, and that they are better able to handle the stress that their body was under.

 

Why is this so?

 

This happened because in disciplining their body, they had created an environment in their body and mind where things could change. As they took better care of their body and developed it, it responded to the changes demanded of this new environment, and their body began to feel stronger and healthier.

 

The same is true when we discipline ourselves for godliness. Spiritual discipline creates an environment in which God can work at developing His character in our lives. Through spiritual disciplines, we are creating an environment the better reflects the image and character of God. We must remember though that discipline is only the means to an end and not the end itself.

 

Godliness through spiritual discipline, not discipline itself, is to be our goal.

 

Allow the Holy Spirit to gently guide you in setting your objectives, goals, and priorities. Check your heart for legalism, comparison, human willpower, and unattainable hyper-idealistic goals. And most of all keep your focus on God as He "coaches" you by the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life as you develop a character of godliness.