The Spiritual Life of a Leaderಮಾದರಿ

A Spiritual Leader's Discipline and Devotion

His heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD.  2 Chronicles 17:6

What is the difference between devotion and discipline? Is one more valuable than the other? Devotion is an overriding commitment to Christ and His way of doing things. It engages the heart and mind in learning the ways of the Lord and then applying them. Devotion must be the driving force behind a disciple’s faith for them to persevere in Christ’s call on their life. Your devotion to God dictates how you will live your life.

Discipline, on the other hand, is the ability to stay focused on the task at hand. It finishes the assignment or completes the course. A disciplined person trains to improve their strength and self-control. They are religious at carrying out routines, fulfilling checklists, and getting things done. Discipline is designed to grow your faith with regular readings from God’s Word and engaging prayers of praise, thanksgiving, confession, and repentance.

However, make sure your discipline is driven by your devotion, or you may become judgmental and insensitive. Devotion to Christ first keeps your heart of faith full of grace and truth. Discipline without devotion is like a billowing cloud that gives no refreshing rain. It can become so rigid in its rules that it causes decent and devoted people to flee. Disciplined leaders are wise to not substitute their warm devotion for cold discipline. So, apply devotion to both God and people. 

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).

Furthermore, direct your passionate devotion to focus on one thing. Like Paul, learn to channel all your energies into one endeavor, and see it through to the end. “Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah” (Acts 18:5). It is better to complete one task than to start a dozen and leave them all incomplete. Indeed, your devotion to Christ determines your discipline over the long term. Keep this your motivation, and discipline will follow. A heart devoted to the Lord’s ways does not stray.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray my devotion to Christ precedes and energizes my discipline to walk with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Is my heart devoted to the ways of the Lord? Does my discipline flow from my devotion to Christ?