Discipline and Discipleship

Discipline is about accomplishing tasks and achieving goals.  Discipleship is inviting Jesus into the tasks and goals, doing his will together.

Discipline is continuing on when I want to give up.  Discipleship is pausing, asking God to make all grace abound to me, so that in all things at all times, having all that I need, I will abound in every good work. (2 Cor 9:8)

Discipline is planning the work and working the plan.  Discipleship is seeking God’s ways and thoughts, which are as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are God’s ways higher than my ways and his thoughts than my thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9)

Discipline is running in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.  No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.  (1 Cor 9:25-27)  Discipleship is offering my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. (Romans 12:1)

Discipline is “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”  Discipleship is seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to me as well. (Matt 6:33)

Discipline is a means to an end.  Discipleship is about the journey.

Discipline is about the plan.  Discipleship is about The Person. 

Both are needed to draw us to a more intimate relationship with Jesus and to see his will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.  (Matt 6:10)