Discipline Is Not A Dirty Word!

During a recent visit to the mall, my wife and I observed an alarming pattern while we were attempting to enjoy our Chinese meal:: Children allowed to run around, with little to no supervision, and, basically, do whatever they want to do. We found ourselves getting rather annoyed. Not with the kids, but with the adults. We saw example after example of parents attempting, albeit extremely weakly, to rein in their rabble-rouser(s) with what were, obviously, idle threats.

"THIS IS NOT A PLAYGROUND! STOP PLAYING TAG IN BETWEEN PEOPLES' TABLES!!"

"GET OUT FROM UNDER THAT TABLE! YOU'RE BEING A NUISANCE! OH, WHEN WE GET HOME, YOU'RE GOING TO GET IT!!"

"WHY WOULD YOU DUMP YOUR DRINK ALL OVER THE FLOOR?!?! IF WE DIDN'T HAVE TO GET GOING, I'D MAKE YOU CLEAN IT UP YOURSELF!!"

We walked away that day asking, "Where has the discipline gone?"

I heard a sermon some time ago that dealt with the issue of "spare the rod, spoil the child." Proverbs 13:24 says, "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them." What I loved about this particular sermon was the Pastor's contextual perspective of the Scripture. Think of the "rod" not as a switch to beat with but as a shepherd's staff. A good shepherd would never beat his sheep but he would use the staff (rod) to guide them where he wanted them to go. I thought it was a beautiful illustration and one we used on our daughter as she was growing up (and, quite honestly, even now as a 20 year-old college Junior). While there were no spankings in our home, there was a lot of "guiding" and she grew up with a complete understanding and correlation between her actions and the consequences of those actions. I am saying (and I think she would concur), there was a lot of discipline in our home.

It is my firm belief that "discipline begets discipline." By that I mean, if more parents were to raise their children with a full understanding and consistent application of discipline, the children of those parents would then be better equipped to succeed in life. They will know that their actions today affect their lives tomorrow. We seem to be lacking that today.

In Malcolm Gladwell's brilliant book, "Outliers," he highlights the "10,000-Hour Rule." A couple of examples he gives are Bill Gates and The Beatles; individuals who achieve meteoric success only through consistent, disciplined effort (10,000 hours worth). Parents who teach their children discipline are increasing the likelihood of them succeeding exponentially. There is no magic formula, no 5 easy steps to success in life. You can't just show up for work and expect a promotion in 3 months. Discipline takes time and effort but it's rewards are worth it!

Disciplined people take a long-term view of life. The followers of Jesus were called Disciples (Disciplined Ones). There is tremendous payoff to this approach. Today, take a look at the various areas of your life. See if there aren't some places where more discipline may be of benefit. You may be very disciplined at work and get the job done but what about physically? Do you consistently hit the gym or the road in order to be the best you you can be? Are you a super-achiever but maybe lack the discipline to every so often say, "no," to a request of your time so you can read, study, or just be alone with your thoughts? Are you a loyal, faithful follower of your favorite sports team but there never seems to be enough time in the day to do things with your family?

Discipline is not a dirty word! It's an asset we all possess. It's just a matter of application. And if you're a parent with small children, try applying some consistent, loving discipline to them and watch the positive impacts it has. Those of us trying to enjoy our Chinese lunch at the mall will thank you!

And He said to them, Come after Me [as disciples---letting Me be your Guide], follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men! - Matthew 4:19 (AMP)