While rushing through my circuit workout on Wednesday, another gentlemen lifting weights in a hurry, commented on how he enjoyed working out during the times when the gym contained less people. As we looked around, there was no more than ten people working out in the 10,000 sqare foot weightroom of a facility that has over 7,000 members. It could be argued that it was just a slow time of the day for gym activity, however, I think there is another reason.
After five years of working out at this particular facility, I have noticed a certain trend. Near the end of the year, the attendance in the gym begins to decrease. In the first three months of the year, the gym is constantly crowded. In January, I remember one of the sales personnel commenting on the number of people who join the gym as a "New Year's Resolution". At the beginning of the year they seem so dedicated, but by the end of the year they are no where to be found. I believe I know what the reason is--it is a lack of discipline.
As I thought about the lack of consistency and commitment to follow through on a New Year's Resolution, it reminded me of how many people act the same way in regards to their faith. Many people respond to an altar call or go to confession with the intent to dedicate their lives to God's will. Unfortunately, as in the case of so many who join a gym, these people do not follow through on their commitment.
Hebrews 12:1 says, "Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." This passage of scripture reveals to us that the life a faith is much like running a race. And this race is not a sprint, it is more like an Iron Man contest. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, Apostle Paul exhorts us to run this race (of faith) in such a way to win the prize. This is no stroll in the park! To be successful, it takes an all-out effort. Why do people quit working out in the gym? Why do people quit on God? For the same reason--they lack discipline!
Many people lack discipline because they were never received proper discipline. Its interesting to note that Hebrews 12 follows the great chapter of faith. The arrangement of chapters in the Book of Hebrews are reminding us of something so important. If you are going to live a life of faith, you must be a disciplined person. Referencing Hebrews 12:1-11, I would like to point out four benefits of receiving discipline.
The first benefit of discipline is perseverance. Hebrews 10:36 says, "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." An article in World Magazine titled, "Uphill all the way", Joel Belz reminds us of what kind of race we have entered. He says, "If you know in advance that the whole course of the marathon is uphill, it's a lot less discouraging when you round the next curve and find right there in front of you--another hill! What really saps you is to hope for a gentle downhill grade and then discover the opposite. Christians are people who know that by definition it's uphill all the way. If God grants a respite now and then, that's a bonus. But it isn't what we should expect." "In the world you will have tribulation," Jesus taught his disciples. "Jesus Himself never had it any better. He never had guaranteed seasons of relaxation where things tended to go His way. Why should we?"
Belz goes on to say, "But no one should equate this outlook with mere pessismism, or just posturing yourself to expect the worst. It isn't even something so meager as realism. This is, to the contrary, genuine optimism. Rooted in the confidence of knowing the terrain is a worldview altogether ready for the grueling grade. It remembers a whole string of promises as it sizes up the steep mountain road." "I will never leave you nor forsake you." "You shall walk and not be weary; you shall run and not be faint." "In the world you will have tribulation, but I have overcome the world." "And then it renews the uphill assault."
What a great article to remind us that this life of faith is a fight to advance the Kingdom of God. In 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 Apostle Paul describes his disciplined training by saying, "Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. (27) No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." We are in a battle with an enemy who seeks the bring total destruction and death to our society. Until Christ comes back, we are engaged in an "uphill" assault to see the prisoners freed from the devil's bondage. The question is how well will we fight? Will we die on the climb or will we advance in victory? At the end of his life Apostle Paul says will full assurance in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Like Apostle Paul, as we receive God's discipline, we too can have the confidence of knowing that we can persevere in the race and fight the good fight of faith. Stay tuned for benefit number two.
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