Discipline

"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." (Heb 12:11)


I woke this morning with this and another scripture in my mind. Both have to do with allowing God in times of trial (whether self imposed like with a fast or imposed upon us) to gift us with peace, righteousness and maturity in faith.  


I am a grown up by most standards, but compared to Jesus I am still a child.  I am trying to put away childish ways without losing my youthful exuberance for fun and enjoyment.  I act childlike, but I can also be very serious and thoughtful when it comes to matters of life and faith.  It is a lifelong journey toward fullness in Christ.


For instance I have grown in patience and gentleness, but I still have a very long way to go to reach the fullness of all God has for me in these virtuous fruit of the Spirit.  I can grow impatient quite easily.  I can use brute force more readily than congeal means to get results.  Jesus used brute force in driving the money changers from the temple with a whip.  His righteous zeal is valid, but the overwhelming example we see in Him is gentleness.  He is the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.  


Selflessness really is the key to growth in Christ. As I feel hunger and smell coffee and see food commercials I feel the pinch of want.  I quickly remind myself that this short term fast is special time to lean in on God and enjoy His companionship, His grace to carry me and empower me. I remind myself that this discipline of diet will lead to peaceful fruit through my right relationship with God, with myself, with others and with food.  I am being trained by my Father in heaven.


Thank You, Lord!