Spiritual Discipline is necessary in the life of every Believer. But why? 1 Timothy 4:7-8 says, “But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness. For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (CSB) Just as we train for an athletic event or a job position, training in the Christian life helps us to reach a goal, in this case, the goal of living a Godly life that will please our Heavenly Father.
Spiritual Discipline may result in an eternal reward but, it is also for our earthly good. As we maintain those disciplines and strive to achieve those we haven’t yet mastered, we develop into mature Christians in a manner that draws us closer to the Lord and shows us to be more like Jesus as we grow.
Becoming a mature Christian isn’t something that happens overnight. Some have compared it to a marathon race rather than a sprint. It is a life-long effort. First, the Bible says we are to “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23 ESV) To me, that means that, with all diligence, we are to develop Spiritual Discipline and become mature Christians by following sound Biblical doctrine. Developing Spiritual Discipline brings forth life, in this case, I believe it means eternal life.
As we strive to achieve Spiritual Discipline, 2 Timothy 2:15 says we are to, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (ESV) As we dig deeper into God’s Word, we must be discerning in understanding the Scriptures, seeking wisdom and knowledge from the Holy Spirit. Then we must apply what we have learned, to our lives, and seek to acquire the Spiritual Disciplines that will cause us to grow in Christ.
As we become more disciplined Spiritually and grow, we also grow more Spiritual Fruit. The more Spiritual Fruit we grow, the more we mature and become more like Jesus.
Fritz Chery, on the website www.BibleReasons.com, in an article titled, “What is Spiritual Discipline?” states, “Spiritual discipline allows you to dive deeper into the heart and mind of God. Your desires begin to change because your love and your yearning for more of Him grows. All that you want is Him and you begin to seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and God begins to reveal more of Himself to you.” Spiritual Discipline brings us to a closer relationship with God. That relationship is what keeps us on a path of stability and growth, physically, mentally, and Spiritually!
In my younger years there was a saying going around Christian circles that said, “Be patient with me, God isn’t finished with me yet.” Spiritual Discipline requires that we allow God to do a work in us that will make us more like Him. As we follow His leading and strive to be obedient to His Word, we will grow and become that son or daughter of God of whom God is proud.
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