When most people think of discipline in the context of the Bible they think of "spare the rod and spoil the child," and that is scripture, but I believe God had more in mind. The word discipline derives from the Old French word descepline which comes from the Latin discipulus, meaning one who learns. It is also the root of the English word disciple. Discipline is training in character, self-control and obedience. As we succumb to the discipline, or teaching, of God our Father, we become disciples of the Son, Jesus Christ.

We are born with a sin nature. It is unnecessary to teach a child to lie, steal, or pitch a tantrum to get his own way. Every child must be taught to do the things that are right and good. "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit" (Gal. 5:19-25).

To crucify the sinful nature is to discipline it in the strictest manner. We can not do it by ourselves. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline" (Prov. 1:7); "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid" (Prov. 12:1); "'I am with you and will save you,' declares the Lord. 'Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you, but only with justice; I will not let you go entirely unpunished'" (Jer. 30:11); "And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,  and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" (Heb. 12:5-11).

In Revelation 3, the words in red say, "I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent" (18-19). Jesus gives us directions to become the kind of disciples that are worthy to carry out His plan for this planet. We must seek out His wealth and clothe ourselves in His Spirit and look through His eyes--we must be disciples that look and act like Him. Then He promises, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me" (20).  Some of the best instruction I ever received growing up was at the dinner table during conversation with my family over our meal.  This is what we are promised by Christ Himself as we put ourselves into position to be discipled by Him. He will come in and sit at our table and eat with us to deliver His pleasant, personal instruction.

Lord Jesus, I am honored to accept Your invitation to discipleship. I realize there is a cost. Help me to crucify my sinful nature and to receive instruction from You so I may become all that You created me to be. Help me not to fear or resent Your discipline, but help me to learn, so that I may be further conformed into Your image and likeness. Amen