24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
-1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Discipline is oftentimes an ugly word in today’s society but the Bible paints discipline in an incredibly positive light. Discipline is often seen as ugly because it requires work and sacrifice. There are no short cuts in discipline. You can’t cheat your way in discipline. Discipline can only be built slowly over time. In our fast paced, instant-gratification culture—discipline is an enemy.
Yet, discipline is crucial to a healthy Christian life. There is no way that Christians experience a deep satisfying connection with God every time they read the Bible or pray. At least that’s not what I’ve experienced. In fact, to be honest, most of the time, even today, accomplishing my daily spiritual disciplines like reading the Bible or praying can seem like just another chore. But in the midst of those daily routines, allow for opportunities when I do feel an intense connection to God and I feel thoroughly convicted in my time with God’s Word or through prayer. Admittedly, those times are the exceptions, but they can only happen through faithfulness in my daily spiritual disciplines.
Dr. Tim Keller from Redeemer Church in the city puts it this way, and I’m paraphrasing: “When it comes to your devotional life, quantity is not the same as quality. But you can’t get quality without quantity.”
Runners and other athletes can only can better through discipline. That’s why there’s something called “going to practices” in sports. In our spiritual life, it’s the same way. When we spend time on our a regular basis, it trains us to grow in sensitivity to God’s Spirit and allows the Holy Spirit time and space to transform our hearts.
Are you spending time with God? Are you going to “spiritual” practice every day, or have you been skipping out?
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