Discipline as defined in the book of Proverbs says the purpose of the book is to teach people wisdom and discipline. That is how to live “disciplined and successful lives.”
Discipline is to train oneself to do something in a controlled and habitual way. It has to do with dogged determination or diligence, a powerful act of the person’s character. Diligence is not an invitation to busyness, but a way of seeking daily what the Lord wants us to do. In the “Normal Christian Worker” Watchman Nee lists various qualifications for the servants of Christ. He begins with diligence. “It is in fact essential …that a Christian worker must be a person who will work.” God gives us new opportunities to serve Him every day. Do it with gladness and simplicity. Psalms 68:19 says, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits.” One of those benefits is meaningfulness-a set of purposes and assignments for each day.
There are many examples of Discipline paralleled in martial arts training and becoming a Christian. The way discipline is used in Martial Arts is to learn the basics first of all. This includes the cat stance, It is a flexible stance that is mainly used in defensive movements. It produces balance whereby it is hard to push one over. This is a usefull skill in preventing trips and falls. This is much like the spiritual advice for the Christian to “stand strong.” The many parallels between martial arts training and becoming a Christian have a solid strong foundation, one of which is respect for your opponent.
Strong foundations for body and soul
Tai Chi is good for our physical bodies as well as our spiritual well-being through meditation. It is particularly useful in getting brain to body coordination flowing. The energy (chi) to flow through the meridians help our movements and balance as we vision them. The first class may seem so easy with instructions in Teakwondo: “Put your left leg forward and your hands up.” Seemingly simple, it feels awkward at first. Like in everything else practice makes perfect. As for the soul the best instruction is from God’s word itself. Saying it aloud, and applying it to your life. “Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it diligently (daily) be done for the house of the God of heaven.” Ezra 7:23 Our bodies are his house.
Practice speaking the word aloud
Do this so that the instructions (law) gets in your heart and works for you. Reading it isn’t enough. Dr. Benjamin Rush, MD, “Father of the Public Schools in America” said “Speech vibrates the brain.” Get the vibrations from the word of God and His vibrational energy into you, faith, by declaring the word aloud. Chi energy in the body helps form action into tendons and muscle memory. The holy spirit is our compass to guide us into understanding and right choices. The three components of faith are knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. As a father so directs his son in the Book of Proverbs in the Bible.
Rain for gain
The diligence and hard work of the farmer is enhanced by gentle rains. Often God speaks of this as “dew” and promises it to come with UNITY. Psalms 133. A person who regards everything as a burden cannot be a faithful servant of the Lord.
“Dive Into Some Discipline for Dew”
Place your trust and faith in God –
And He’ll give you success –
True victory reigns in Discipline –
And when you do your best –
When you give your dream to God –
This trophy you receive – In heaven’s eyes, you always win –
if boldly you Believe – All Things with God are possible.”
Discipline for Soul Balance and Spiritual Poise
Much like the movements in Tai Chi or other martial arts, the study of God’s word requires practice. As we are told, faith comes by hearing of God’s word. Once your own voice becomes involved, it becomes easier to trust your silent inner voice of the Holy Spirit. The Lord and Savior Jesus confesses you before the Father God. It is he who reaches you by the Holy Spirit. It is so that you can become attuned to the vibrations from above coming down to you. To develop skill in this communication, Doggedness (Diligence) is required. This is a key character trait needed for success in any area. What you don’t speak aloud may be very important! “Loose lips sink ships” and the master teacher Sun Tzsu knew to keep quiet about his plans and moves. Even cats know some things need to be buried.
Military Sayings
Good military saying from Thucydides: “The society that separates its scholars from its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools.” Thucydides is a vital source for us – a source for ancient Greek history. And, has also been seen as a model for history-writing in general. To political theorists, however, he is a champion of political theory. And, the originator of ‘realist’ approaches to understanding political life.
Stand strong for God
If you don’t stand strong for Him you will fall for anything. And, that is about everything this “deceived” world has to offer at this point in time. Good daily instruction is found from Karate Black Belt Pastor Karen Eden Herdman Here. Discipline makes it easy to believe we have strong, mountain moving faith. This happens when we just listen on a regular basis to sermons and testimonies from others. We need to keep our own eye on almighty God so we do not strike out.
Mental Health Resources
So, if you’re one of the 53 million Americans with a mental illness. Or maybe one of the 32 million who are illegal drug users. Check out the Substances Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at www.samhsa.gov for information and help. The rewards of recovery are enormous — and you may thrive. To recharge, recalibrate and renew your brain see here:
Words of Common Sense and Wisdom
It has become fashionable to quote from martial artist Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War:” Believing we have always had a connection with China. Discipline is when taking it literally we might well consider the emphasis on deception in the Chinese way of war. The cat’s chop is a reminder that the blow seizes the initiative, and is delivered fast and early. The Chinese and cat’s strategy is asymmetric and contrary to appearances. It gets the job done. It is not delusional due to self-deceit. Like we find in America’s ruling class, a luxury we can no longer afford. Children learning correct US history – warts and all – can lead them to developing positive attitudes: Littlepatriotslearning.com. Positive suggestions for keeping your head on straight can be as simple as playing with a pet. More ideas here: Goodforyou.org
Self respect RIF Reading is fundamental Daily Inspiration
