Discipline is a Process and a Result

Growth is a training process. Discipline is the hard work that is required for us grow. Discipline is also the evidence and reveals the efforts of our hard work. For growth to occur requires more than just the knowledge of the growth process: we must allow the process to affect us. This might mean giving someone permission to confront us when we are unloving, or agreeing to be in a group that will tell us the truth about ourselves. Several aspects to discipline operate in our hearts and aid our spiritual growth. The following are the qualities needed of the person who desires to change and grow.

Receptiveness is required from those who want to submit to the growth process. We must take the initiative and ask for feedback on how we affect others. Truth and loving confrontation are integral parts of the process. The more we embrace the necessary pains of growth, the more discipline bears fruit (Hebrews 12:11). Being receptive to the growth process is highly important. We can receive the lessons from discipline and grow, or we can refuse discipline and suffer the consequences as a result. King David humbly received God’s correction when he went off the path, and his kingdom was established forever. In contrast, the pharaoh of Egypt, a man with high position, hardened his heart against the discipline of God, and he came to a tragic end.   

Confession is a requirement of the growth process (see James 5:16). To confess is to agree with the truth. When we do not confess, we deny discipline’s good effects. Often enough, we know we want to grow but are unsure how. Spiritual growth requires us to be more intimate with God and others. We need encouragement from others to grow, but because of our fears of being rejected, we don’t let others in emotionally.  When our heart issues arise, we might start to change the subject to our thoughts and opinions instead of our feelings. When we avoid the hurts and pains buried deep down inside, we do not grow. However, when we confess to one another the loneliness, others can move closer because they can feel the humbleness of your heart, and they can show empathy for us. Confession begins the process of healing and repair.

Repentance is not only agreeing with the truth, but is living out the truth by turning from our ways to God’s ways. Repentance means that we truly will change what needs to be changed. Repentance doesn’t mean that the problem is fixed immediately. If that were true, there would be no need for growth. Repentance would simply mean doing only the right things and avoiding all the wrong things. The reality is that this is not possible given our immature and sinful condition (see Romans 7). It is better to see repentance as an attitude of turning away from the world’s way, and what is not good, and turning towards God’s way and what is good. This involves changing how we deal with life. For example, a person who is spends money extravagantly and wants to change will probably not have the internal structure to become better and wiser with finances immediately. But repentance for them may mean that when they feel unloved or bad, they call a supportive friend instead of spending money to feel better. This repentance helps us move from death to life. Discipline is a form of love and growth from God, not meaningless pain and punishment. God is for us, not against us. Also, we must begin to allow those for us, our safe and nurturing relationships, to help us become accountable to the process of discipline and to help us grow.