The Truth about Discipline

As a step-mom, an Entrepreneur and athlete, I know a lot about of the importance of discipline for both myself and as a parent. A lot of people view discipline these days as an act of abuse or condemnation. They may see it as a form of exile or Un-forgiveness, or that somehow discipline won’t help them in a positive light or even their children. Some people don’t discipline their children because they don’t want to enter into conflict or make their child angry (life is short and precious you know). Even within an individual the lack of self discipline could lead one down a path of unhappiness, unfulfilled dreams, and disappointment. Cause and Affect: Lack of motivation and will with ones job, self-image, family, or even their walk with Christ. Discipline. It sounds like a harsh word, and nobody really likes the idea of being disciplined. However, coming from a biblical stand point, DISCIPLINE is defined as: STRENGTHENING, PURIFYING, TRAINING, CORRECTING, PERFECTING. Why wouldn’t we want these things for ourselves and our children? Just because you mess up, or make a mistake, it should not be a condemning act that comes from discipline but of love and redirection. If you really love someone, and if you really love yourself then discipline is a must. It’s not enough to be submissive these days because we don’t want to enter into conflict with someone or we don’t want to redirect our own fallen ways . I’m sorry, but grow up! Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.” It’s time to mature as we come into our own in this world. The standard for Christian maturity is Jesus. Ephesians 4: 13 “Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” This means we are to reflect the characteristics of Jesus! I’ll tell you one thing, Jesus faced a lot of conflict in his day and he did it gracefully and lovingly. Conflict doesn't have to be doom and gloom, it can be a place where we get to grow as an individual and as a parent. Conflict can be an opportunity to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, see from another point of view, to give a deep look into your own values, and potentially learn how to find resolution! It can be truly powerful to face and deal with conflict, when it comes from a place of love and understanding. God allows us all to be tested at moments, and sometimes it's just the fallen broken world that gives us the trials and setbacks but at the end of the day, the intention should be to build our character! Overcoming challenges, conflict, conquering our fears, standing up for what’s right even though it’s hard, making healthy and wise decisions. Implementing discipline into our individual daily routines and into our households to help hold us and our children accountable, all builds character! Character in a positive light brings forward strength, endurance, patience, love, understanding, a sense of peace, respect, and will power! If you do not discipline yourself or your children your character will be a reflection of shallowness (lack of depth, character) instead of depth (a deep rooted foundation). We all need a foundation to be rooted in, if we are not, we will be like the leaves blowing in the wind, aimless, and aloof. My foundation is in Christ who gives me strength, comfort, peace, and wisdom. Root yourself in the truth, and the truth will ultimately set you free. Free from your fears, your lack of confidence, your heartache, your traumas, and your immaturity. Growing in Christ has been the biggest gift I’ve ever been given. His salvation, and his love are so overwhelming and it all was possible through the discipline of spending time with Him each day. Take advantage now, don’t wait! God gifts us with a new day every day. Be disciplined because you are seeking growth and change, and you want an amazing life for yourself, for your children, and your family. God wants you to have a great life too, trust Him, and ask Him for help to give you the discipline to make the changes you need in your life. Whether it’s your personal relationship with Him, your job, your health, your children, your spouse, your friendships. Whatever it is, God can handle it, and you can too with His help!