In Proverbs 1:7, Solomon writes: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
Within this verse are several important principles, but let’s focus on one of them: discipline, an important spiritual principle often overlooked. We may want a relationship with God, but ignore the fact that discipline is a key part. Any human relationship involves commitment and discipline. A spiritual relationship with God is no different.
Morty LloydThe Apostle Paul elaborates on this in 1 Corinthians 9 when he paints the picture of an athlete in strict training: “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. 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. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
No athlete wins an Olympic medal by merely getting out of bed and going to an awards ceremony. They get it through years of hard work. The same is true of us. The Bible says we must train ourselves spiritually. In order to win the prize, we must discipline ourselves to study the Bible daily, to develop a prayer life and attend church. Each of these disciplines involves commitment and work.
Bible study is a commitment to resources and time. It’s a discipline that involves an open mind and allowing God to speak to you and challenge you through his word. Through discovering who he is, you can develop a relationship with him through Jesus.
An active prayer life is a commitment of time and relationship. It can be hard and challenging, but amazing as you see God work.
Lastly, the discipline of weekly church attendance must not be overlooked. Jesus died for the church; that alone states the importance of the body of Christ (the church) to all believers. Getting out of bed, getting ready and going to church each week is challenging for some. It, too, involves discipline.
But with weekly church attendance we experience corporate worship and relationships with fellow believers. Our spirit needs this spiritual nourishment each week. To achieve the blessing, we have to be disciplined.
How we respond to each of these disciplines tells God how much we value him. Is sleep or having fun more important than experiencing him through Bible study, prayer and worship? These are questions each of us must answer.
Remember the words of Solomon in Proverbs 1:7, “Fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Also remember the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 9, “Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
If you lack these spiritual disciplines, commit yourself to them. In the end, you will be blessed more than you could imagine.
Morty Lloyd has been the senior pastor at Chattanooga Church for 20 years. He and his wife, Joyce, have three children. The couple also works with Mission Aviation Fellowship, which spreads the Gospel to isolated areas throughout the world.