Discipline is one of the ‘fruits of the Spirit’, as in Galatians 5:22-23. But there it’s called ‘self-control.’ Discipline (as in self-control) is extolled as a virtue, almost without equal. If you can be self-disciplined, then you can achieve almost any goal known to man. Wars are won by armies who have the most self-disciplined soldiers, from top to bottom. Their officers not only give good orders, but their troops respond well to orders, and they always fulfill their orders. Of such are great men and great events made.
But wait! What about that line that Jesus said? If you don’t come as a little child, you won’t get into heaven.” And “let the kids come to Me, for of such as these are the kingdom of heaven.” [Heaven is filled with people who are like children]. And how do you like, “Thank you Father, that you have hidden these things [things of God?] from the wise and prudent and you have revealed them unto babes.” Babes have a lot in common with children, especially little children. Who is disciplined; the wise and the prudent, or the little children? I don’t know about you, but a lot of days I feel more akin to the babes than to the wise and prudent. Often I just can’t manage to keep my life in order like it says to, either in the world or in the Bible. And my observations over six decades plus indicate there are a lot of people out there who are a lot like me. So what are we undisciplined cotton-pickers supposed to do? Continue reading