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. Hebrews 12:11
I’m not sure when I was first introduced to these challenging words, but for me — during my college years — they become a personal mantra of sorts.
As a new follower in the Ways of Jesus I saw it my obligation to go into “training” — desiring to one day be “mature and complete (in my faith), not lacking in anything” (James 1:3-4). As I looked around at my fellow believers on campus — many of whom (I assumed) grew up in Christian homes — I believed that I was starting this “training” a little later than most.
But better late, than never, right?!
Strangely enough, as I became earnest and consistent in my discipleship of Jesus, I began to notice the discipline with which I approached this one area of my life… spilling over into other areas.
No, it wasn’t a full-scale sweep of disciplined living… but there was a noticeable difference.
In fact, at one point I scribed the words above into the brim of one of my favorite hats. I wore this hat as I trained for my first marathon. And as I ran… and felt the pain… and wanted to quit… I’d glance up at those words and begin to recite them.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time… pant, pant, pant… (like right now…)
But painful… pant, pant (more painful than this? I often pondered…)
Later on, however… (I began to think of the potential — even probable — “fruit” that was to come from my disciplined effort)
It produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
A harvest of righteousness and peace.
My athletic training would produce more stamina, stronger muscles, endurance, a greater lung capacity — and hopefully, a respectable first marathon.
Discipline in my discipleship of Jesus… a harvest of righteousness and peace.
Righteousness and peace.
Webster’s defines righteousness as: acting in accord with divine or moral law : free from guilt or sin.
It defines peace as (among other things): freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.
Righteousness and peace.
Based on the descriptions above… how many students do you know that could be characterized as righteous or peaceful?
This isn’t a slam on our young people…
But more so on the way(s) they choose to live their lives.
I’m not sure which comes first — discipline or discipleship — and truth be told it may not matter.
What does matter is that we find a way (or ways) to help our students re-order their lives and take more serious their pursuit of Jesus.
I think they will be absolutely flabbergasted by how radically different their lives become.
But in an age of instant-gratification, instant-results and overwhelming distractions and time-suckers… discipline and discipleship may be a tall order.
What do you think?
How do you challenge students who don’t seem interested in discipleship?
What ways have you been able to “tap into” the discipline that some students exhibit in one area of life (their studies, athletic training, music, etc.) to help students better understand what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus?
What is the biggest barrier you face in helping more students to live faithful, committed, disciplined lives of followership of Jesus?
Take a moment to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
