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| Living in this fallen world with our fallen nature makes it difficult, at times, to exercise biblical discipline. The plan of God for our lives, which should have priority for each believer, is often obscured by many other desires and daily activities. Such selfishness is displayed in our lack of commitment to the will and purpose of the God who has saved us. Godly discipline comes with training, in and through scripture, by the power of the Holy Spirit. That is why it is so important to maintain a spiritual checklist, to continually monitor our growth and maintain needed discipline in light of the word of God. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.”(II Cor 13:5a) Our checklist must be scriptural and tailored to our own personal relationship with Christ. As we grow in the Lord, our list should change, because the temptations we encounter will change. Although our checklist is personal, there are some standard biblical truths that are applicable to every believer, if he/she seeks to maintain godly discipline. I. Spending quality time with the Lord a. prayer is necessary for our continual fellowship (I Thess 5:17) b. daily meditation is needed to seek God’s wisdom and direction and establish a right thought process (Ps 1:2) c. praise to Him is necessary to establish our need; His provision and eternal glory in all things (Ps 63:1-8) II. Accountability a. to another believer (of same the sex); someone who loves you and will lovingly encourage and correct you according to biblical standards (Jas 5:16; Eccl 4:9,10) b. to your spouse, that he/she may seek to build you up and strengthen you through scripture, by the wisdom and grace of God (Gen 2:18) Godly discipline is required to bring about positive results in our Christian walk. Our heavenly Father disciplines us according to His holy purpose and our own eternal good. There is nothing more loving than the primary objective of God placing His chastening hand upon our life. “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”(Heb 12:11) Because of God’s love, grace and mercy we will experience His preventative discipline; to keep us focused on His righteousness and walking according to His plan and purpose for our life. We will also experience His corrective discipline if we choose to give in to temptation. “For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”(Prov 3:12) Regardless of the method used to draw us unto Himself and experience His righteous, His ultimate goal is that we be transformed (day by day) into the image/character of Christ and live within the boundaries He has set for us. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”(Rom 12:2) **Receive the most important gift that anyone could give you...ETERNAL LIFE!!! Allow Christ to be the center of your life. Have you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior? If you have not, He still awaits with open arms for you to say "Yes, Lord!!" There is no way for Jesus to be at the center of your life if you have not allowed Him to come into your heart. It is a one time decision that will change your eternal destiny and renew your entire life, if you will accept Him as yours today. His free gift is available to all who will respond to His plea. "That at that time(before salvation) ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world;"(Eph 2:12) It's an individual choice that we all must make and now is the time to make up your mind to receive the free gift of eternal life offered by God the Father through his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. "....behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.(IICor 6:2) So, if you haven't made this life changing decision for Christ do so now before it is too late. Simply admit you are a sinner in need of a Savior and Jesus Christ as the only Savior; acknowledge that Jesus Christ is God and shed his precious blood for your sins; and invite Him into your heart as Lord and Savior of your life. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."(Rom 10:9,10) *** |
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