RECIPE FOR GREATNESS SERIES -3 THE DISCIPLINED BELIEVER
The passage from Paul’s writing emphasizes the importance of growth and maturity in one’s thinking and understanding. As children, our thoughts, speech, and understanding are limited and simplistic. However, as we mature and become adults, we are called to put away childish ways and embrace a deeper level of thinking and understanding. This transition signifies a shift from a childlike perspective to a more mature and developed mindset. It is crucial for individuals to recognize this transformation and strive to enhance the quality of their thoughts and understanding as they progress in life.
In order to grow and deepen our relationship with God, there are five key elements that play a significant role. These include practical applicable teachings, private spiritual disciplines, providential relationships, pivotal situations, and circumstances. Each of these aspects contributes to our spiritual growth and development. Private spiritual disciplines, in particular, require individuals to engage in personal practices that foster spiritual growth and maturity. While discipline may not always be a popular concept, it is essential for individuals to embrace discipline in order to become true disciples of Christ.
The journey of life often presents challenges that require individuals to cultivate discipline and commitment to their spiritual growth.
Private spiritual disciplines serve as a means for individuals to deepen their connection with God and strengthen their faith.
By engaging in practices such as prayer, meditation, fasting, and studying scripture, individuals can nurture their spiritual well-being and grow in their relationship with God. Embracing discipline and committing to spiritual practices are essential steps in transitioning from being part of the crowd to becoming a true disciple of Christ.
It is insufficient to simply believe in Christ; we must also strive to be disciples in order for God to work great things through us. The Bible emphasizes that even the devil believes in God and trembles, so mere belief is not enough. Being a practitioner of our faith requires discipline, as growth does not come naturally. We may grow old naturally, but we must intentionally grow up through discipline. Much of this discipline occurs in private, away from the eyes of others.
As mentioned last Sunday, we can only be young once, but we can remain immature indefinitely if we do not discipline ourselves. Refusing to engage in the necessary actions that promote growth can lead to growing old without actually maturing. The key factor in this process is discipline, as without a strong sense of discipline, we will struggle to achieve our life goals. Scott Peck defined discipline as the act of scheduling pain and pleasure in life, with one taking priority over the other.
In life, it is crucial to confront the painful tasks first and then allow pleasure to follow. This approach may not come naturally, but it is essential for personal growth and progress. By prioritizing what we ought to do over what we want to do, we can actualize our dreams and aspirations. Discipline is the key to taking control of our lives, as it leads to progress and ultimately, freedom. To truly be free, one must embrace discipline and commit to doing what is necessary for personal growth and development.
Allow me to provide an illustration of what I mean when I talk about achieving financial freedom. In order to attain financial freedom, it is essential to adopt the practice of prudence and embrace financial success principles. By doing so, you can lead a healthy life without the need for constant vigilance or reliance on others, such as pastors, to guide you. This involves maintaining discipline in various aspects of life, including following a proper diet, engaging in regular exercise, and focusing on positive thoughts rather than allowing worries to consume you. It requires a great deal of self-discipline to adhere to these practices, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Even in times of haste, doing the right thing at the right time can result in a sense of fulfillment and contentment.
The reason why some individuals experience ongoing frustration is due to their inability to muster the discipline required to fulfill their responsibilities. Instead, they tend to prioritize doing what they want to do rather than what they need to do, resulting in neglect of certain important tasks. However, by summoning the courage to carry out necessary actions, even when feeling unhappy about it, one can still achieve positive outcomes. It is not always about having a positive attitude, but rather about taking the necessary steps to fulfill obligations, even when it may not be enjoyable. This is the essence of discipline – doing what is required in order to eventually have the freedom to do what is desired.
In addition to financial discipline, there are also important spiritual disciplines that are recommended in the book of Matthew, chapter 6. These include developing a deep appreciation for the word of God, meditating on its teachings, and putting them into practice. By embracing these spiritual disciplines, individuals can cultivate a sense of spiritual fulfillment and growth. This further emphasizes the importance of discipline in various aspects of life, whether it be financial, physical, or spiritual. Ultimately, discipline enables individuals to delay immediate gratification in order to achieve long-term success and fulfillment.
The focus of Matthew 6 is on the spiritual discipline of giving, which Jesus recommended to deepen our relationship with Him. In verse 1, Jesus warns against doing charitable deeds or works of righteousness for the sake of being seen by others. He emphasizes that if we seek recognition from people for our acts of charity, we will not receive any reward from our Heavenly Father. This highlights the importance of sincerity and humility in our giving, rather than seeking praise or approval from others.
Moving on to verse 2, Jesus instructs that when we engage in acts of charity, we should not draw attention to ourselves like hypocrites who sound trumpets to announce their deeds. Instead, we are encouraged to keep our giving discreet, not letting our left hand know what our right hand is doing. By emphasizing the need for secrecy in our charitable actions, Jesus underscores the value of genuine, selfless giving that is done with a pure heart and without seeking recognition.
Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 6 emphasize the significance of giving as a private spiritual discipline that strengthens our trust and dependency on God. This act of giving, whether it is referred to as charitable deeds, alms giving, or simply giving, is meant to be a regular practice in the life of a believer. By making giving a private affair rather than a public display, we cultivate a deeper connection with God and learn to rely on Him for our needs. Ultimately, the act of giving is not just about helping others but also about nurturing our faith and relationship with the divine.
If you find it challenging to give generously, whether to your fellow man or to God, it may be due to a lack of belief in God’s ability to provide for you. This sentiment is often highlighted in the teachings of Jesus, particularly in Matthew chapter 6. Jesus emphasizes the importance of examining our motives for giving, pointing out that it is a personal and spiritual practice. In the context of Jesus’ time, giving was a public affair, with people showcasing their generosity on the way to the synagogue or in the streets.
Imagine the scene in the days of Jesus, where individuals would give alms publicly, attracting attention and praise from those around them. This scenario can be likened to the experience of visiting Lagos Island on a weekend, where uninvited guests may approach you as you arrive at a popular event center. These guests may know you already, calling out your name and family lineage, creating a spectacle with drumming and singing. Similarly, in Jesus’ time, people would display their acts of charity in a manner that sought recognition and admiration.
Some individuals give with the intention of being acknowledged and celebrated, seeking validation through their charitable acts. Others adopt a messianic mindset, only offering help when a dire situation arises, such as a friend facing imminent death. This approach to giving reflects a self-serving motive, where the focus is on personal gain or avoidance of negative consequences. Jesus’ teachings encourage a shift towards genuine, heartfelt giving, detached from the desire for external validation or self-preservation. By examining our intentions and cultivating a spirit of generosity, we can embody the true essence of giving as a spiritual discipline.
Let us redirect our focus back to the church, as there is a pressing need within the church community. It is crucial to address this need in order to prevent the church from facing a potential collapse. It is often emphasized that one should contribute towards this cause, as someone may mention, “Give, because without your contribution, the church may face a decline.” It is important to remember that while you are not the savior of the church, your act of giving serves as a demonstration of your faith and dependency on God.
The act of giving should not be viewed as a means to rescue God or fulfill His needs. Rather, it is a way to showcase your reliance on God and your willingness to let go of a portion of your income, trusting that God will provide for you. This act of giving signifies that your source of sustenance does not solely rely on your salary, but on the divine provision of God. It is essential to understand the distinction between those who depend on God and those who rely solely on material wealth for their happiness and security.
By engaging in the spiritual discipline of giving, you are showcasing your level of trust in God and deepening your relationship with Him. It is crucial to comprehend that the essence of giving goes beyond monetary contributions; it is about acknowledging that everything you possess ultimately belongs to God. As Jesus mentioned in Matthew 6, where your treasure lies, there your heart will be also. Therefore, by embracing the spiritual discipline of giving, you are not only strengthening your connection with God but also recognizing the importance of stewardship and accountability in managing the resources entrusted to you by God.
It is evident that the individual who guided me to my current position is the same individual who has the ability to propel me forward. This person is the sole individual capable of leading me to the next stage of my journey. The act of giving, particularly when it involves allocating a portion of one’s resources, is a tangible demonstration of faith. As I transition to discussing the second spiritual discipline, I refer to the book of Matthew, chapter 6, verses 5 to 6. In this passage, it is emphasized that prayer should not be performed in a hypocritical manner, such as praying in public to gain recognition from others.
Prayer serves as a manifestation of trust in a higher power and serves to deepen that trust. Engaging in frantic activities without first establishing a connection with the divine may hinder progress towards one’s goals. It is essential to dedicate time in the morning to communicate with the divine before embarking on daily tasks. This practice not only demonstrates faith but also invites divine intervention. By prioritizing prayer, individuals showcase their reliance on a higher power and seek guidance for the day ahead.
Prayer should not be viewed as a mere obligation for individuals of the Christian faith.
Rather, it should be regarded as a personal commitment to trust and depend on a higher power. By dedicating the initial moments of the day to prayer, individuals affirm their belief in the power of divine intervention. This practice not only strengthens one’s faith but also serves as a testament to the genuine reliance on a higher power. Through consistent prayer and communion with the divine, individuals can demonstrate their unwavering trust and dependency on a higher authority.
The Bible passage in Mark 31 verse 35 recounts the story of Jesus waking up early in the morning, even before the break of dawn, to go to a secluded place to pray. This action demonstrates Jesus’ dependency on God, setting an example for his followers to do the same. Jesus himself stated that he only does what he sees the Father doing, emphasizing the importance of prayer in his life. This passage highlights the significance of personal and intentional prayer, indicating that it is not a matter of if we should pray, but when we should pray.
The specific time and setting of Jesus’ prayer in this passage, early in the morning and in a solitary place, underscores the importance of finding a quiet and secluded environment for prayer. This allows for undisturbed and focused communication with God, enabling a deeper connection and dependency on Him. Jesus’ actions serve as a model for believers, emphasizing the need for personal and intentional prayer as a vital aspect of their spiritual lives.
The passage from Mark 31 verse 35 serves as a reminder of the significance of prayer in the life of a believer. It emphasizes the need for personal and intentional communication with God, following the example set by Jesus himself. By prioritizing prayer and seeking a solitary place for communion with God, individuals can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him and demonstrate their dependency on Him. This passage encourages believers to make prayer a regular and essential part of their lives, highlighting the importance of when to pray rather than if to pray.