Spiritual disciplines!

I was listening to a sermon this morning and the man of God during the course of the sermon explained something relating to his message and mentioned the word “spiritual disciplines”. The phrase trigged a trend of thoughts. He mentioned that he refuses to think negatively and that is a spiritual discipline.

Now let’s first look at the word “discipline”. What does it mean?

 In my own words and in the correct content of this article, l would say “discipline is the act of doing the right thing, irrespective of how you feel, Its doing what you know to be right.

An athletic has to commit to certain disciplines if they intend to stay being an athletic and want to make progress. Sometimes this involves avoiding certain foods, exercise, going for training when not convenient, the list goes on.

In the same vein, we as Christians must maintain some certain disciplines spiritually. Thank God that His grace is available to help us.

Lets have a look at a few things we can call “Spiritual disciplines”

1.  We must watch our thoughts
   
   

The instruction on what to think about is clear in scripture.

Philippians 4: 8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

We need to discipline our minds and refuse to think  about certain things. If a wrong thought comes to your mind, just resist it in Jesus name, and refuse to think about it. The Lord will not tell us to do what we cannot do. If the bible tells us what to think on, then it can be done.

We eventually become a product of our thoughts, that why we must be careful what we think about.

2 We must be careful about what we say



Having a bad day, is no excuse to say what is wrong, hurt another person, or what we will eventually regret. The scripture is clear:

Proverbs 18: 21

 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

This is obviously not a joking matter. Its time to be get serious and watch what we say to ourselves, to others and about others.

 
3) We must find time to pray!



Scripture is clear:

Luke 18: 1

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

 4) We must not forsake the assembly of ourselves


Hebrews 10: 25

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

These are just a few things we can call “spiritual disciplines”. As we walk with the Lord, we will all have individual disciplines that we have to adhere to.

His Grace is sufficient.  When we turn up late for lectures or classes in the natural we might get told off . While nobody might tell you off for thinking wrongly, or saying wrong things, don’t be deceived “nobody gets away with anything” unless it has been confessed and repented off.  

So it’s time to be disciplined and do what is right. His grace is sufficient! As we begin to apply these spiritual disciplines, we will begin to see the fruit in our lives.

Bisi Oladipupo