But I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified--1 Corinthians 9:27 NASB

 

World Book Encyclopedia defines the word discipline as "training, especially the mind or character; bring to a condition of order and obedience". There are few things more characteristic of our age than undisciplined living. In the secular realm restraint is being cast to the wind resulting in people doing whatever they want to do without any regard for the consequences. I am reminded of the words of Judges 17:6, "In those days there was no judge in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes".

 

We live in a very troublesome and perilous time. Read the daily newspaper, watch the nightly news cast, just open your eyes and look at what is taking place in the seat of government, in the workplace and often in our own neighborhood. The words of 2 Timothy 3:1-5 read like today's newspaper. The words of  Romans 1:24-32  describe accurately conditions that surround us today.

 

There is an urgent need for more disciplined living. We are weak, frail human beings with fleshly lusts waging war against our souls every day (1 Peter 2:11; James 4:1).  Subduing the fleshly lusts  is one of the most difficult battles we are called on to engage in if we are going to be successful in our quest to one day live forever in the land where joy shall never end (Colossians 3:5).

 

From Romans 8:12-13  our attention is called to take note of two creditors, the flesh  and the Spirit. One is a pretender to whom we owe nothing, the other is genuine to whom we owe everything. Each day we live there is a fierce battle taking place between these two creditors for control of our lives. If the flesh wins, it will bring death (Gal. 5:19-21). On the other hand, if we live according to the Spirit, our lives will be full of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (Gal. 5:22-24) . Which creditor will win the battle? The answer will be found in how well we discipline ourselves.  Follow the Spirit, we will live life and live it more abundantly.  Follow the flesh, and we will not inherit the kingdom of God.

 

Charles Hicks