What is Discipline to a Believer?

Discipline is basically defined as the training of the mind and body to produce self control, orderliness, obedience and capacity for cooperation. While this definition is universal, it is also specific to the body of Christ as it is necessary for Christians to understand the concept of discipline in our domestic lives. In the army, a soldier is expected to be disciplined and to distinguish himself from civilians. In like manner, a christian as a soldier of Christ in 2nd Timothy 2:3-4 is expected to be disciplined and to behave differently from unbelievers.

 

With that established, it is a common saying that the undisciplined mind will definitely become a lazy mind. This leads to the question of how a christian should discipline himself in all aspects of life.

1. Use of the Tongue

In James 3:2-10, the Bible says how much this little member can be used positively to offer praises and prayers to God (Jas. 5:13), preach the word (Jas.5:10), confession of sins and our faith (1Jn. 1:9 and II kings 4:25-26), confession unto salvation (Rom. 10:10), turn situations around (Col. 4:6,  Prov. 15:1). It is basically used for good and bad, therefore a christian has to discipline himself or herself  so as not to use the negative aspect of the tongue. When last did you use the words: "Please" and "Thank you" ? Words take their root from unregenerated heart and thereof, an unregenerated tongue. The Bible enjoins us to care for our heart (Prov. 4:23) because it determines our fate. (Matt. 12:37).

2. Moderation in all things

Eating, Sleeping, Dressing, Spending, drive speed, etc) - Phil:4:5; Prov. 23:21; Phil. 3:19; Prov. 20:13; 1 Timothy 2:9; Deut 22:5.
 

3. Managing Debt Money, Promise or vow, Time, 

 

4. Preaching the gospel

 

5. Punctuality

ministers, and leaders in the church.

 

6. self-control orderliness at meeting.

, ministers, and leaders in the church.

 

7. Diligence at Work: Prov. 22:29; 24:30-31
, ministers, and leaders in the church.

 

8. Respect for Parents and Elders

ministers, and leaders in the church.

 

9  Respect for the law of the land

, ministers, and leaders in the church.

 

10. Respect for one another especially elders

, ministers, and leaders in the church.

By doing things "Decently and in order" in the church, holiness will surely be reflected in the body of Christ. Our salvation takes us away form certain behaviours and connects us to Christ.