Hebrews 12:11(KJV)
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Discipline is the delaying of satisfaction for the establishment of distinction. It is training that enforces proper behavior and orderliness in one’s life. It is simply operating as demanded, not as convenient. Discipline is the fuel for constancy, and constancy is the platform for greatness. Discipline is vital for success, lifting, and stability in life. In other words, no one ever gets distinguished in any field of human endeavor without the power of discipline. It takes discipline to go to the top and much more to stay up. It is doing what it takes to get to where we want to be. It doesn’t prevent us from enjoying life, but it helps us obtain what we truly desire, including peace, joy, and the right relationships. Nothing triggers the potential within us like self-discipline, and it is a fundamental requirement for exploits. Like the Apostle Paul said, “all things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient.” Some things are legitimate but not beneficial.
The truth is, there is no future for indiscipline. The lack of discipline in life is out of control, with no governed rules, no set of routines, or no schedule. There is no aspect of life where indiscipline pays, whether in ministry, industry, or politics. Without discipline, life slips off, opportunities are lost, and destinies are destroyed. Many people ate their today yesterday, and some are eating their tomorrow today for the bankruptcy of discipline. Indiscipline made Reuben commit immorality with his father’s wife, making him useless. Hebrews 12:16-17 says, “Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” Indiscipline also made Esau sell his birthright for a plate of food. He could not control his appetite and, therefore, lost his destiny. If we are indisciplined when it has to do with anger, the opposite sex, food, sleep, etc., we cannot control our destiny as well. Until we can change ourselves, there is nothing we can change. 1 Corinthians 9:27 says, “But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
Beloved, the degree of your discipline determines the quality of your destiny. To reach where you desire, you must do what is required but to follow feelings at times is to fail. Learn to love discipline; it will keep you out of trouble, and embrace it as your companion in life. Be determined to be disciplined in every area of your life, for discipline is a maker of people; if you must be outstanding in life, be disciplined. Determine to surrender yourself absolutely to the leading of the Holy Spirit and surround yourself with disciplined people. Deliver yourself from wrong associations to fulfill your destiny. Develop the capacity to reject sin to maintain your dignity and fulfill your destiny. Make up your mind to say “No” to anything contrary to the Word of God. Remain disciplined, the result may not come immediately, but victory is in consistency. Remember, it takes discipline to pay the extra price for extraordinary accomplishments in the race of life and be distinguished.
O Lord, I receive the grace to live a life of discipline. Help me to live a disciplined life so I can fulfill my destiny in Jesus’ Name.