23 Oct 2025, 10:02Catherine Anthony Boldeau, BUC Stewardship Director
The Art of Discipline
“At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off big-time, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God” (Hebrews 12:11, MSG).
Any musician who wants to become a maestro understands that practice doesn’t just make perfect, it makes professional. I recall the hours of practising scales, melodic, chromatic, and diatonic. I absolutely hated scales. My tiny hands firstly sprinted, then jogged, finally dragging themselves across the 85 keys irritated by the repetition.
And then there were the finger exercises to improve the strength in my hands, especially the left one. Lastly, there were exercises to improve my posture, which would ultimately enhance the dynamics of my performance.
It was only when I started to prepare ‘Consolation No. 3’ by Franz Liszt that I appreciated the endless hours of discipline that I had considered unnecessary as a child.
Discipline is crucial in every aspect of our lives. It ensures that the dishes are washed after dinner. The children arrive at school on time. It aids in the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, and it is also essential in our spiritual walk with God as faithful stewards.
Consistent Bible study and prayer are challenging in a world saturated with ever-ending activities, but taking time out to connect with the Almighty, far away from ‘the maddening crowd’, is essential as you develop a meaningful relationship with God.
Set aside a time each day to commune with God, free from distractions, and make time for Bible study with Him. Yes, it’s great to pray and study with others, but meaningful time is spent ‘alone with God’.
Reflection
· In what ways are you disciplined?
· Are there areas in your life in which you could be more disciplined?
· Think of a time when discipline provided impactful results in your relationship with God and thank Him for teaching you discipline.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, teach us the art of discipline in this distracted generation, Amen.
“At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off big-time, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God” (Hebrews 12:11, MSG).
Any musician who wants to become a maestro understands that practice doesn’t just make perfect, it makes professional. I recall the hours of practising scales, melodic, chromatic, and diatonic. I absolutely hated scales. My tiny hands firstly sprinted, then jogged, finally dragging themselves across the 85 keys irritated by the repetition.
And then there were the finger exercises to improve the strength in my hands, especially the left one. Lastly, there were exercises to improve my posture, which would ultimately enhance the dynamics of my performance.
It was only when I started to prepare ‘Consolation No. 3’ by Franz Liszt that I appreciated the endless hours of discipline that I had considered unnecessary as a child.
Discipline is crucial in every aspect of our lives. It ensures that the dishes are washed after dinner. The children arrive at school on time. It aids in the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, and it is also essential in our spiritual walk with God as faithful stewards.
Consistent Bible study and prayer are challenging in a world saturated with ever-ending activities, but taking time out to connect with the Almighty, far away from ‘the maddening crowd’, is essential as you develop a meaningful relationship with God.
Set aside a time each day to commune with God, free from distractions, and make time for Bible study with Him. Yes, it’s great to pray and study with others, but meaningful time is spent ‘alone with God’.
Reflection
· In what ways are you disciplined?
· Are there areas in your life in which you could be more disciplined?
· Think of a time when discipline provided impactful results in your relationship with God and thank Him for teaching you discipline.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, teach us the art of discipline in this distracted generation, Amen.
