We are told to apply our minds. This requires making a choice to do a specific thing, act in a certain way. To be disciplined indicates that we are training ourselves to be a follower of Christ, not the enemy. Discipline is a lifelong journey; not a onetime goal. Discipline means recovering and continuing on when we stumble and fall, not walking away. 

An additional command about discipline tells us to focus our ears to be in tune with God’s knowledge. We must be discerning in what and who we listen to. We need to check and see if what others are preaching and teaching about God lines up fully with his Word or if it is partial truths made to sound good to those who cannot discern. This includes checking not only lay people but pastors’ teachings. Be a Berean, checking it out for yourself. If it is not true, do not listen to them again. The only way to have this knowledge and discernment is to spend time daily in the Word and in prayer asking God to reveal the truth to you.

Discipline is not only important spiritually but also generally. Here, parents are taught to provide discipline to their children and this must start when they are young, providing concrete standards of behavior and consistent consequences when they stray. Without basic life discipline, I believe it is hard to be spiritually disciplined. General discipline is the building block upon which all other discipline is formed. I believe that is why the younger generations are so disconnected from God and the church.

God knew how easily we get distracted, looking at what others have and being jealous. He tells us not to get caught up in a pity party of envy. What we perceive may not be as it appears and it takes our focus away from God. Others may seem to be prospering now but as unbelievers, their profit is here. As believers, we need to keep focused on God, in discipline knowing our rewards will be greater when he returns for us.

God’s heart is blessed when we act and speak in ways that honor him. As we go about our days, let’s be a blessing to God and to those we encounter who need to see Jesus.

Eleanor Chew, Fairhaven, Mass.

Extended Scripture: Proverbs 23 (NKJV)