Exploring Discipline

One word that stirs up discussion at Men’s Shed is ‘discipline’:

‘It’s not like it used to be!’ ‘Young people today are out of control!’ ‘My dad beat me and it never did me any harm!’ ‘There’s no discipline in schools!’

Sweeping generalisations lead to stories about sadistic teachers, drunken fathers and harsh military training, alongside positive stories of caring parents teaching life-lessons, firm but fair teachers, and respected work bosses setting commendable standards.

At church the word ‘discipline’ has an opposite effect; folk remain silent.

Spiritual ‘disciplines’ may refer to… daily prayer or meditation, regular God-centred corporate worship, the personal study of the scriptures, fasting or giving away money… These are often seen to be ‘personal’ and therefore not up for debate and discussion.

…‘Discipline’ comes from the Latin: Disciplina means ‘instruction given, teaching, learning, knowledge’; Discipulus  means ‘pupil, student, follower, disciple.’

Musing on discipline…

Hardship: Discipline is tough. The pre-Christmas Slimming World diet; the athlete’s training – running up hills, extending the weekly mileage; the parent who limits screen time for their child. In discipline there’s often hardship.

Humility: Discipline challenges my standards, my resolve. I’m imperfect in my intent and actions.  My way isn’t always the best way; others may know better. Discipline keeps me humble, challenging my desire and capacity for improvement.

Humanity: Discipline is part of being human. The ‘This-is-hurting-me-more-than-it’s-hurting-you’ parent who loves their child and wants the best for them. This discipline that wants the best for ‘the other’ is motivated by, and is a demonstration of, our humanity.

Healing: Discipline makes us better people. The discipline of post-surgery exercises, of daily prayer and meditation, of consistent firm parenting, of appropriate diet for those who discover intolerances… Discipline can heal that which is damaged.

Hope: Discipline points to things getting better. Yesterday at church, on the first Sunday in Advent, we lit the ‘hope’ candle; we remembered the Saviour who came to bring hope to a hope-less world. Discipline reminds is that there is hope for better future.