Loving Discipline

I am basking in the satisfaction of having completed my income tax filing this weekend. I am feeling quite organized and accomplished in my financial life having completed this task well in advance of the deadline. In my glow of triumph, I was sitting and thinking about how wonderful the fruits of discipline actually are.


For most of us the idea of discipline raises a whole lot of negative feelings and energy. It means the imposition of external standards on our lives, and is generally considered undesirable, confining and even for some un-American. So often we equate discipline with some stern, unrelenting taskmaster who pushes us to do things we don’t like and are no fun. In large part, our ability to embrace discipline is determined by whether we focus on the many benefits we experience when we are disciplined or the hard work that it takes to be disciplined.

We forget that the original meaning of the word discipline is “instruction given to a disciple.” The truth is that we must be given lessons in order to grow, change and perfect. Discipline can be both gentle and harsh. It can be laborious and fun.

Discipline is the other side of discipleship. Discipleship without discipline is like waiting to run in the marathon without ever practicing. Discipline without discipleship is like always practicing for the marathon but never participating.
-Henri Nouwen

Discipline takes on a whole new energy in the context of our spiritual lives. We make a commitment to our spiritual growth and begin to pray and meditate with the intention of hearing from God. Suddenly, we realize that discipline is no longer about arbitrary, external standards, which are imposed upon us. Instead we are slowly introduced to the inner sanctum and the inner standard. Spiritual practice and disciplines in their truest form lead us to who we are in essence. They guide us to our authentic selves. We feel as if we have come home.

The life is discipleship is rooted in the search for the truth of who we are in God. We are all disciples of the Christ within. And to the extent that we commit the time and energy to listen for the lessons, we experience the many gifts of the Spirit. The discipline of the inner guide is always firm but loving. We do not always understand its inklings, but with the benefit of hindsight we see it is always for our highest good.

Let us begin our quest for discipline in our inner life. Inevitably, the fruits of that practice have a beneficial impact on our outer lives and our world. This is the heart of the life of the disciple.

And so it is! Amen!