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Loving Discipline

By: Steve Negley

Posted: February 15, 2017

Category: Daily Devotional

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but those who hate to be rebuked are stupid.

Proverbs 12:1

The word “discipline” probably shares a root with a word we use a lot in Christian circles-“disciple.” A disciple is a student of a particular teacher. And in this Proverb, we find that there is a connection between knowledge and discipline.

Someone can impose discipline on us when they make us abide by the rules. We can discipline ourselves when we do the same. In this sense, discipline has to do with accountability.

I have a book on my shelves that I have read and taught several times over the course of my ministry. This book, by author Richard Foster, called Celebration of Discipline, is an exploration of what he calls the disciplines of the Christian faith: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance, Celebration.

When we love and practice such disciplines, we gain knowledge. When we won’t allow ourselves to be guided and disciplined ….. the term “stupid” may stick.

Prayer

Dear God, make me wise enough today that I will seek and accept discipline, structure, and correction on the path of being a disciple of my Savior and Lord Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.