To most of us, the notion of discipline is unpleasant-perhaps because it may conjure up memories of being paddled as a child (or doing the paddling as a parent) or it evokes thoughts of punishment. Yet as Christians, we should not shy away from the notion of discipline; indeed we should even embrace it, particularly in light of the way Scripture speaks about it. In Proverbs 3:12, the author writes “For whom the Lord loves he disciplines, even as a father, the son in whom he delights.” This verse is then quoted in Hebrews 12:6 as the author makes the case for striving for that which is good and holy.
In the Christian church, the word “discipline” is probably most often associated with the season of Lent, particularly in the more liturgical Roman Catholic and Anglican circles. Often someone will be asked “what are you giving up for Lent?” The replies may be “chocolate,” “meat,” “animal products,” “coffee,” or lately, “Facebook,” “social media” or other similar things. While Lenten discipline is a good thing, we can often become prideful in giving something up. In doing so, we run counter to the command Jesus in Matthew 5:16 “And whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance in order to be seen fasting by men.” According to Jesus, the “hypocrites” are more interested in making a big deal out of the fact they are fasting and ensuring people see what they do. They have made an idol out of the act of fasting instead of allowing that fasting to become a sign that points them to a higher spiritual understanding. That is the true significance of Lenten discipline.
Discipline calls us to submit to a higher purpose and authority; it beckons us to focus ourselves-not upon us, but upon God; it invites us to recognize our mortality and remember our sinfulness so that we can fully understand and embrace our need for a Savior. In participating in Lenten discipline by denying ourselves something that we like & enjoy, it pushes us to remember how Christ denied himself & submitted to the will of the Father in going to the cross for our sins. Remember, to get to Easter we have to go through the cross; the road of discipleship which leads to holiness as a reflection of God is not easy. So….what are you giving up this year??
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