Daily Digest: Capstone Capsule

“But I DISCIPLINE my body and bring it into subjection…” – 1 Corinthians 9:27a

“The Celebration of Discipline” by Richard Foster, is focused on the making of IMPACT by DISCIPLINE: ““But I DISCIPLINE my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1Cor.9:27). Paul highlighted his own self-discipline and willingness to become "all things to all men” to win some for Christ (v.22). This resonates with Foster's emphasis on intentionality and the need to cultivate self-control in various aspects of life in order to grow spiritually, and foster Joy. The book is an exploration of various spiritual disciplines and their role in Christian growth.

“Celebration of Discipline” proclaims the transformative power of spiritual disciplines for a deeper Christian life, arguing that spiritual disciplines are not mere pious practices but pathways to experiencing God's Grace and being transformed into Christ-likeness. It highlights the importance of cultivating a longing for God and actively engaging in practices that help one to move beyond superficial living to a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God. The book explores diverse disciplines, including:

• Meditation: Engaging with God's Word to understand His Will and nurture a deeper relationship. 
• Prayer: Communicating with God and seeking His Direction and Presence. 
• Fasting: Abstaining from food or other mundane things to focus on God and seek His Will. 
• Study: Engaging with scripture and other biblical resources to deepen understanding of God and His Ways. 
• Simplicity: Living with less, prioritizing, and focusing on what truly matters. 
• Solitude: Spending time alone with God to cultivate intimacy and learn to listen to His Voice. 
• Submission: Yielding to God's Will and trusting His Plan for our life. 
• Service: Serving others as an expression of love and devotion to God. 
• Confession: Acknowledging sins and seeking forgiveness from God and others. 
• Worship: Expressing reverence, adoration, and praise to God. 
• Guidance: Seeking God's Direction and Wisdom in all aspects of life. 

These disciplines are means to experience God's Grace and be transformed by His Presence. Discipline, both from God and through parental or mentoring guidance, is a necessary tool for maturity, righteousness, positive impact, and the avoidance of harmful results. Discipline is not merely punishment, but a form of loving link that shapes character, leading to a fulfilling life. In contrast, neglecting discipline can lead to moral decay, frustrated grace, unfulfilled potential, and emotional instability.

As a process of training that equips us for good works, discipline is for our good: “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Heb.12:11). Discipline, especially self-discipline, is crucial for developing talents and abilities, and preventing wasted potentials. The practice of spiritual disciplines should therefore be approached with Joy and celebration, not as a rigid set of rules or obligations. We can find Joy in God's Presence, in the practices themselves, and in the resultant transformed life.