Where is discipline needed in the Christian life and how might we develop it? Again from the writings of Paul to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:3-4, “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” From these verses it can be stated that discipline is given to us by the Lord. However, the discipline given must be exercised. And it is precisely because we have been given a spirit of discipline or self-control that we have something to exercise. Let me suggest a few critical areas where we need spiritual discipline.

 

Disciplined Eating

Almost half of the American population is overweight and the data suggests the percentage is increasing. Someone has said that instead of Americans eating to live, we live to eat. It would not be very difficult to say that the favorite pastime in our society is eating. It is what I call recreational eating.

Scripturally speaking, nothing is sinful about food. Without it we would not survive. Our good and gracious Lord gives it to us, but like many of His gifts, food can be perverted and used against us—and Him who gave it to us. The appetites control us, and we not only eat foods that are not good for us but we consume more than we need.