I Kings 1:1-53
Acts 4:1-37
Psalm 124:1-8
Proverbs 16:24
King David is now very old. He has not yet appointed his successor, although those close to him knew that he desired that it would be his son Solomon.
"At about that time, David's son Adonijah... decided to crown himself king in place of his aged father. So he hired chariots and drivers and recruited fifty men to run down the streets before him as royal footmen. Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him at any time - not so much as by a single scolding! He was a very handsome man, and was Absalom's younger brother." (I Kings 1:5-6)
Is there anything that stands out to you in those verses? One thing sure caught my attention. Why would it mention that he had never been disciplined? I know why. Because it's important!
Discipline is a godly principle. To live in health spiritually, physically, emotionally, and in every way, the principle of discipline must be present. It is the root word of discipleship. It is the foundational principle of Empowered Through Biblical Training.
As we grow in Christ, we must INCREASE our strength in the area of Discipline.
I like to illustrate this point with a diagram called the Triangle of Development. It represents how the R,E & A of DREAM need to work together for growth in the Christian walk. The left side of the triangle represents Relationships Devoted to Unity (Submission), the right side Empowered through Biblical Training (Discipline), and the bottom line Active Ministry Involvement (Responsibility). A basic explanation would be that as our responsibility increases, our submission and Discipline must also increase.
Take Adonijah as an example. He appointed himself king. I'd put that at the "5" level of responsibility. However, he did so without the discipline necessary to equip him for the position. He also did not apply the unity principle of submission. He did not consult his father, and tried to hide all of this from those closest to his father. So the level of his "R" & "E" was at best "1". The result? it all fell apart for him.
So what's the point of all of this? We need to understand how each and every day all of these principles work together in our life. This triangle is in a constant state of growth for each one of us. Each area will be challenged at different times.
For example, If you are extremely disciplined in the area of biblical study, and know God's word, but don't increase your responsibilities, you will be out of balance. The knowledge of scripture should translate into you putting it into action. Maybe you WANT more responsibility, and have the discipline to handle it, but you are lacking in devotion to unity and are rebellious, or unwilling to serve your leaders, or even lack the understanding that you need to meet the needs of those around you. If that's the case, you may find that you're not advancing in position the way you desire.
This is a difficult concept to communicate in a format such as this, but long story short, WE MUST HAVE DISCIPLINE IN OUR LIVES. Hebrews 12:5-11(NAS) says, "'My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by him; for those whom the Lord loves he disciplines, and he scourges every son whom he receives.' It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom {his} father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He {disciplines us} for {our} good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness."
We often equate discipline with punishment, but I feel it is more accurately defined as "alignment". We need to allow ourselves to be aligned to God's word. We need to follow his commands and his direction. With an undisciplined heart, we are headed for disaster.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
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