The Discipline of Lent

The word "discipline" is used in many ways. For example, in higher education, students choose a degree in a certain discipline, studying that field and becoming more knowledgeable in it. In the fine arts, artists mold and develop a discipline, either music, dance, or art, by consistent and daily practice. In figure skating, skaters choose to learn and perfect one of the four different Olympic disciplines. In the military, officers uphold courtesies and disciplines to keep the chain of command. In sports, athletes use discipline to train and prepare themselves for the next game or competition. 

So, how can we use discipline in our every day lives? Discipline helps give our lives structure and to help us grow in anything in our lives – like exercising, eating right, studying God’s Word, following Christ, reading books, playing a sport, or learning something new. Discipline can encourage us to focus on ourselves and what we need to do to make ourselves better people, to become better disciples of Christ. 

During the season of Lent, I have always tried to challenge myself by giving up something or improving something in my life. I have given up things like chocolate, television, soda, or sweets. I have said I would spend more time reading God's Word or more time praying. But, many times, without a real will or discipline to keep that decision throughout Lent, I have often failed and bounced right back after Lent is done with a "thank goodness, it’s over!”

Thinking I only had to give up something for forty days didn't really help me to grow as a person, nor did it help me to become a better Christian. The season of Lent should be a time that encourages us to focus on what might need improvement in our lives, physically and spiritually. We should be excited to stop for a time, slow down our crazy lives, and target what can be changed in our lives. Focusing on ourselves can create a will and a desire of what needs to change. From that, we can create a clear path and a structure that brings discipline to our lives. 

Our journey in Lent can be one of meditation, focus, prayer, and sacrifice. It takes an act of discipline to do this, but the reward is a changed heart and life. I pray that this season of Lent will be a season of discipline that leads to a year of drawing near to God, growing as a person, and finding the joyful rewards that discipline often brings.