I really like the book of Hebrews. Really. At the risk of sounding like Gandalf describing hobbits, you can know the whole book inside and out and a fresh read will still bring some new discovery to surprise you. It’s simply packed with good, helpful wisdom that continuously points us to God.
But perhaps one of the loudest points Hebrews makes is that of discipline. The entirety of chapter twelve is dedicated to the subject and if I could I would share the whole of it here. Honestly, go read it for yourself. In this chapter, the author of Hebrews gives no small amount of time connecting a reality that we so often forget about:
Discipline is not fun.
Mind you, it was never meant to be, but somewhere along the road we’ve gotten so wrapped up in the idea of seeking comfort that, unless it brings us joy, we often disregard discipline altogether. In a world that tells us to follow our bliss, discipline flies in the face of joy seeking comfort. If it doesn’t come easy it’s not worth having. Even if we don’t say that outright, that’s very often the voice of our actions. I can, with no small degree of discomfort, think of countless times when the going got tough so I decided something wasn’t worth pursuing. Discipline is rarely the first action we look to.
But oh my, should it ever be. Applied in our lives as God built it, discipline is one of the most beautiful gifts available to us. No, discipline is not fun. The author of Hebrews goes out of his way to tell us it won’t be. But he also outlines the rewards and they far outpace any of the downsides.
Discipline, particularly discipline in following Christ, builds mental, emotional, and spiritual muscle. It strengthens us against hard times and shortens our response time in moments of crisis. And that’s something we sorely need, because the world has absolutely no intentions of waiting until we feel ready to hit us with everything it’s got. The world fights dirty and being disciplined followers of Christ is exactly the kind of edge we need to make it. So as little fun as discipline is, it’s that much more vital and necessary.
What’s more, discipline is not unkind. If anything it’s an incredibly loving practice. An officer who didn’t thoroughly train and drill his men in preparation for combat would be considered a disgrace. Why? Because discipline is his best means for keeping his men alive. If he truly cares about them, he will take every pain to make sure that they can follow his orders so thoroughly they can do so without thinking because he wants to see them through whatever is coming their way. Discipline is sometimes the main thing standing between life and death.
So being disciplined by God? Once again an incredible gift. This is not him just messing with you to make your life harder. This is him caring far too deeply for you to let you slip through the world’s cracks. This is him loving you.
Whatever call for discipline you are feeling in your life, I pray you can see it for the gift it is. It is not a punishment, it’s not a torment, it’s not a sadistic game to make your life miserable. It’s loving, devoted, caring, and yeah, not very much fun. Those who can build discipline into their lives as a continuing, ongoing practice are the ones who will not be shaken for a moment when everything goes sideways on them. And let’s be honest, we could all use a little bit more of that as believers.
Discipline is a gift, may we build it and learn from it.
“So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” (Hebrews 12:12-13)
Let’s find some joy,
Avalon Robinson Author 