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Is All Discipline Negative?
Doing the Math
 We commonly use the word discipline in both positive and
negative ways.
- We exercise discipline at the table when we want to lose weight,
or at the gym when we want to gain muscle.
- We exercise it in our spiritual lives when we develop holy habits
of Bible reading and prayer.
- Our physical trainers and pastors exercise it over us when they
teach us new principles and encourage us to develop new habits that are good
for our bodies and spirits.
- These are all positive or formative uses of the word "discipline". To exercise discipline in this way is to form or
shape ourselves or others by self-control, teaching, exhortation, or encouragement.
- We also exercise discipline in the home when see our children
doing something wrong, dangerous, or hurtful and correct them for it.
- We exercise it in the courts when we punish convicted criminals.
- These last examples are negative or corrective uses of
the word "discipline". To exercise discipline in this way is to
correct or reprove for the purposes of restored health, continued growth,
and the prevention of future sin.
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