10/14/2026
Discipline vs. Punishment
Hebrews 12:11
"Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (NKJV)
As a football coach and a dad, this verse speaks directly to my heart. Both dads and coaches, use discipline to draw out the good behaviors (righteousness as the Bible puts it). There are many verses throughout the Bible that point us toward the loving discipline and instruction of God as well as Godly authority in our lives. I was just telling our athletes yesterday about doing things God's way versus my own way. Our mascot is the "Fighting Lancers" and our coaching staff often repeats that we do things "The Lancer Way." I told the team that in my life I view my options as doing things my own way or God's way. Similar to football, when I choose to do life my way, I end up in a bad position or in trouble. When the athletes choose to do things their own way, they end up in the wrong position on the field and we end up losing that play.
The discipline of "The Lancer Way" or doing things God's way is not to ruin your fun or your creativity. It is to put you in the best position for your success or that of your team, family, church, workplace etc.
Isn't so true that we hate discipline in the moment because it is painful. Whether it is self-discipline or discipline from an authority figure, it is uncomfortable and sometimes agonizing. However, the fruit of it is so very rewarding! Hebrews says this fruit is "peaceable." I know in my life I'm always looking for peace. The Bible makes it clear in this verse that we can attain this peace through discipline. Obviously, self-discipline helps us create healthy habits and patterns that keep us from mindless wandering through each day. In my experience, this mindless wandering leads me into behaviors and situations that require discipline from God the Father. So, we have the choice to be disciplined in our daily walk with Him and to set forth our plan for each day. In doing so, we are telling ourselves and the day, how to be instead of allowing the day and our circumstances telling us how we will be or act.
Self-discipline can be hard or being disciplined by God can be hard. Choose your hard!
- Where in your daily life, can you be more disciplined?
- Where in your life, can you submit more fully to God's discipline for you?
Prayer
Father God, Thank you for this beautiful day! Thank you for healthy bodies and minds. I pray that I and my friends reading along will choose the hard of being self-disciplined and when we do need correction that we would be humble enough to accept it knowing that you want what's best for each of us. Draw near to us and help us to love you more and to love your Word! Please speak clearly to our hearts and minds as we search your scriptures. We love you! In Jesus' name, Amen!