CHRISTIAN DISCIPLINE
Discipline is defined as the training of the mind and body to produce self control, orderliness, obedience and capacity for co-operation in the army, a soldier is expected to be disciplined and to distinguished himself from civilians. In the like manner a Christian as a soldier of Christ is expected to be disciplined and behave differently from unbelievers.
Christian Discipline
A Christian is expected to be discipline in the following aspects of life;
1. Use of Tongue: a Christian brother/sister is expected to bridle his/her tongue. The tongue is a very small sensitive organ of the body. Life and death is in the power of the tongue. The book of James 3:2-10 tells us something about our tongue. Your tongue should be used to offer praises to God and not the devil. When you cursed with your tongue then you have used your to the glory of the devil. Your tongue should be used to preach the gospel not for jesting and backbiting. How do you use your tongue, and what does it do? Use your tongue to give thanks to God and not questioning God for the calamity that befall you or what he has not done for you. Learn to always bridle your tongue. Remember, one day you will give account of every idle words that proceed out of your mouth. (prov. 4:23, matt. 12:37)
2. Moderation in all things: you as a Christian are expected to be moderate in all that you do. Moderation is mandatory for you to always please the lord. You are expected to be disciplined in the following areas; eating, sleeping, dressing, spending, over speeding, drinking and in your appetite for anything. (Philip.4:5;prov. 23:21; Deut.22:5)
3. Debt. Every Christian that is indebted in the following areas should make the necessary amendment.
Money
Promise or vow
Time
Preaching the gospel: This is very mandatory for every Christians either you are a worker or not. Whether you are a minister or a worker or a church member preaching of the gospel is very compulsory for everyone. We are all debtors of it. (Rom. 13:7-8, ps. 105:7-10, eccl. 3:1-8, 9:10, 1 Corinth. 9:16-17; Rom. 1:16).
4. Punctuality, self control; orderliness in the church of God, A Christian should not receive a phone call while a prayer is going on in the church. Always learn to honor God. (1 Corinth. 14:40)
5. Respect for one another especially elders, Ministers, and leaders in the church: (1 Tim. 5:1-2, 17; Heb. 13:17)
6. Respect for parents and the law of the land: Eph. 6:1-3
7. Rebellion especially against church leaders: Num. 12:1-10
8. Going to dancing hall, cinema halls, reveling, etc. You should never go to where God cannot go with you.
Note: by doing things “decently and in order” in the Church, holiness, will be reflected in the body of Christ. Our salvation takes us away from certain behaviors and connects us to Christ.
Let your moderation be made known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Check your life now to see if any of these is still found in your life and take a step to make amendment then tell God to help you to endure to the end. God will surely do.