Godly Discipline

(Originally posted on November 9, 2017.)

We recently started studying a book called Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes at our Catalyst men’s study. It is an awesome thing to come together as men to study what it looks like to practice Godly discipline.
 
Most of us recognize the discipline it takes to do something well. For an athlete who sets a goal of winning a title or becoming a champion, the athlete knows he must train. If the goal is to be the best golfer or football player you eat, sleep and drink that activity. There is a discipline to the training. There may be a lot of blood, sweat and tears shed as you pursue the goals set.
 
If I were to ask a champion athlete how did you discipline or train yourself to achieve your goals? They would say it takes both physical and mental discipline to achieve the highest level of competition. How much more important is it for a Christian to train themselves, if we claim to love Jesus above all? It says in 1 Timothy 4:7-8 train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
 
Young children and many adults look up to an athlete and want to be like them and win a championship title, but titles are temporary things that have no eternal value. If we want to know what the pursuit of godliness is; and the value of it - we pursue Jesus as our greatest treasure. Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
 
If our heart is pursuing Jesus, it should change everything about our day. How we eat, sleep and drink like a champion for Christ, not for our glory or titles but for God’s glory and the name of Jesus. 1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Following the pattern of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ will cause us to change the way we see everything and how we do everything.
 
Christians, do you wake up every morning and pursue Jesus Christ and giving him glory? If you want to sharpen your training habits begin your day by seeking God’s will for your day and for your life through prayer, scripture and fellowship with Christian brothers and sisters.
 
This next Saturday Catalyst men’s group and Women of Courage meet from 8 – 9:30 am at Cornerstone Church in Cascade to pursue godliness. All are welcome! Women are using Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes.