DISCIPLINE

Discipline Is The Price We Pay For Freedom

Paradoxically, the same holds true in the spiritual realm. For example, when we:

* Take the time and effort to abide in God’s Word we are liberated from the tyranny of sin’s bondage:

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  (John 8:31-32)

* Joyfully endure trials, God is then able to forge within us that inner quality of steel belted strength that results in personal freedom:

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  (James 1:2-4)

* Gain control over the dictates of our old nature we are insured longevity in effective service:

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 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.  (1 Cor 9:25-27)

Paul speaks forcefully to this issue of discipline in stating:

But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.  (1 Tim 4:7-8)

We need to ask ourselves whether or not  WE ARE WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE OF DISCIPLINE TO ACHIEVE FREEDOM. The toll exacted upon us for the lack of discipline will, in the long run, far exceed the price we now pay for freedom through discipline!