In his sermon last Sunday, Rev. Joel Brandt continued talking about change. This time how we change as discipline develops us. He drew a comparison between two words which can be confused with each other - discipline and punishment.
Maybe that's because we talk about the Dean of Discipline and we think about the detentions and suspensions handed down.
But discipline is the practice of teaching and practicing behavior. The Olympic athletes we've been watching the last two weeks are disciplined in their sports. Day after day they practice the steps it takes to be their best when the whistle blows.
If they deviate from the path, they won't perform at their best. (That's why I thought when Michael Phelps talked about his lack of preparation and interest in the London Olympics, and still won several medals, he must look back now at the opportunities lost because he didn't stay disciplined.)
Punishment on the other hand is separate. It's the consequence for lack of discipline. Criminals do the time handed down by the Judge. At sentencing, it's too late to correct and avoid the results of undisciplined behavior.
It's the discipline which acts as guard rails to keep us from crashing.
Of course, we don't like being told we are off course and doing wrong. We might resent it. But discipline is done in love.
Parents discipline children to teach them - whether it's to not touch a hot stove; cross a street without looking; or stealing - to do what's right.
Discipline is love. And we need it.
Maybe that's because we talk about the Dean of Discipline and we think about the detentions and suspensions handed down.
But discipline is the practice of teaching and practicing behavior. The Olympic athletes we've been watching the last two weeks are disciplined in their sports. Day after day they practice the steps it takes to be their best when the whistle blows.
If they deviate from the path, they won't perform at their best. (That's why I thought when Michael Phelps talked about his lack of preparation and interest in the London Olympics, and still won several medals, he must look back now at the opportunities lost because he didn't stay disciplined.)
Punishment on the other hand is separate. It's the consequence for lack of discipline. Criminals do the time handed down by the Judge. At sentencing, it's too late to correct and avoid the results of undisciplined behavior.
It's the discipline which acts as guard rails to keep us from crashing.
Of course, we don't like being told we are off course and doing wrong. We might resent it. But discipline is done in love.
Parents discipline children to teach them - whether it's to not touch a hot stove; cross a street without looking; or stealing - to do what's right.
Discipline is love. And we need it.
"And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, 'My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone as he accepts as his son.'"
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined - and everyone undergoes discipline - then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.
Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplines us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12: 5 - 11
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