Freedom Through Discipline

…a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea
that is driven and tossed by the wind.
People like that should not expect
to receive anything from the Lord.
They can't make up their minds.
They waver back and forth
in everything they do. James 1:6-8

Have you ever watched an ice skater perform, and thought how effortless it seemed? All the skater’s strength and determination is overshadowed by the beauty and freedom of the performance.

What does it take to achieve this beauty and freedom? The skater practices with discipline. She practices each portion of the routine; every jump and twirl. Even the practice session has a routine of warm-up, individual moves and then a series of moves. New techniques are tried again and again to perfect them. The performance routine is practiced with extra attention to weak areas. Finally the skater does the cool-down routine. This practice schedule is adhered to week after week, year after year. The beauty and freedom of the performance is the result of disciplined practice.

Our spiritual life should also be disciplined, one of diligent adherence to God’s precepts. Just as the beauty and freedom of the skater is the result of discipline, the successful walk with God will result only from the discipline of putting on the thoughts of God.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing
as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts
on what is true and honorable and right.
Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable.
Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Keep putting into practice all you learned from me
and heard from me and saw me doing,
and the God of peace will be with you. Phil. 4:8-9