DISCIPLINE is the practice of mental or physical training to obey rules or a code of behavior, 
using punishment to correct disobedience. This results in controlled behavior. When we exercise self-discipline, we train ourselves to do something in a controlled and habitual way. Some of us, remembering our childhood, only think of discipline as punishing or rebuking someone formally for an offense.
Discipline is indeed instruction and knowledge gained by the practice of exposing yourself to pain. The Middle English connotation is ‘mortification through scourging.’ Something has to die for us to be disciplined. Proper discipline received from parents, coaches and teachers is meant to bring us into adulthood with the ability to conduct ourselves in a manner that would bring good success. Whether in work, study, prayer, personal habits like exercise or diet, or relationally; God is after our discipline! Paul says in Hebrews 12:4-12, that the Lord disciplines us as a Father corrects or chastises the children he loves. If we were not under God’s discipline, we would not belong to Him. He disciplines us so we can share in His holiness and produce His righteousness. Don’t make light of God’s discipline. Endure it gratefully.
Discipline is choosing between what we want NOW and what we want MOST. We discussed last Wednesday, that God is after our DECISIONS. Happily, we don’t have to make these decisions without the Lord’s power! for the fruit or manifestation of God’s Holy Spirit living within us is self-control (Galatians 5:22). We are not hopelessly under the dominance of our impulses, emotions, or even the devil’s schemes. To habitually practice God’s ways requires being led by and walking in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:16-18) Paul said “I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.” (1 Cor. 9:27) A disciple of Jesus Christ needs DISCIPLINE, God’s after that in us!
