SELF DISCIPLINE IS THE GOAL!

SELF DISCIPLINE IS THE GOAL!

Eph 4:11-15

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

           In order to leave our nursery and progress to the Pre-K class, one must be potty trained! Now, why would I lead off with that fact this morning? It is to point out that self discipline is the goal of discipline! All the efforts of the teacher are focused toward self-management which we sometimes call maturity.

           A week or so ago a little boy squirming on the front pew said to me: “I can tie my own shoes!” and proceeded to demonstrate by untying and tying both his shoes. One would have been evidence enough but he wanted there to be no doubt regarding his skills. He was a big boy now and was eager to progress to other challenges.

           Signs of spiritual maturity are not so cut and dried but generally he is able to read and accurately interpret and apply Scripture for himself. He is not carried about [Greek periphero] or transported hither and thither by anomalous winds of doctrine. His beliefs and behavior are set. He can tie his own shoes. The training wheels are off the bike. He is self-disciplined.

           God’s gifts to the church are apostles, prophets, pastors and teachers. These, spiritually speaking, will tie our shoes and wipe our noses until we are able to do these things for ourselves, but self-management is always the goal. Do you have a Bible reading schedule and prayer time? Do petty offenses cause you to retreat from worship at church? Do you pout and demand your own way? Are you sure of what you believe and why you believe it? Pay respectful attention until you are able to tie your own shoes.

2 Tim 2:2

2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Dear Lord, help me to be a fast learner and a patient teacher. AMEN