DICIPLINE - training to act in accordance with rules
SELF-DISCIPLINE - discipline and training of oneself
We talk all the time in class about discipline and self-discipline. To different people, these words mean different things and their actions are implemented in different ways.
When we talk about the word discipline, many students note a synonym for discipline as punishment. Sometimes discipline involves some type of punishment or consequence, but the root to this term is really “training to act in accordance with rules”. So on the home front, there may be a rule that you are to clean your room. This is a known rule for your house and yet sometimes you may not keep your room clean. Your parents may institute a punishment such as no video games or tv time until your room is clean. This is their way of “training” you to make sure you clean your room. Sometimes discipline does not involve a consequence. In class, for example, we all know that you should answer to an instructor with “yes, ma’am” or “yes, sir”. If you don’t do this, instructors may times will say “yes, ma’am” to you, looking for you to respond correctly with a “yes, ma’am / sir” back. This is still discipline.
Self-discipline is taking discipline to the next level, whereby no one needs to tell you, remind you, or give you a consequence if you do not do something you know should be done or should not be done. We all know we should not “misuse what we learn in class”. Self-discipline might be having self-control and self-discipline not to punch or kick our friends and family.
Self-discipline is what we all should be striving for. We should not need others to help us do what we know needs to be done or stop us from doing what we know we should not do. Discipline is a way to educate individuals on the rules that are expected to be followed.
Think about ways that you can have self-discipline around the house. You can do your chores, do your school work, look around and see what you can do to help out! When you do this, everyone is able to enjoy the holidays to a greater extent!!
MORE TO THINK ABOUT:
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it”
Hebrews 12:11,
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16