An experienced athlete always stretches before working out. You never have to nag them to do it. They do it without thinking because they've developed a discipline.

Younger athletes may not have developed this yet. Coach always has to remind them. They may get lazy or in a hurry and not stretch first, then they pay a price. They haven't developed a habit of engaging in a discipline that is basic to athletics.

How many of us try to live the Christian life without practicing some foundational disciplines? Beginning the day in the Word and in prayer, faithful church attendance, Sunday School or a comparable form of Christian education, taking up a church ministry, tithing...

These are all basic disciplines mature Christians do without a second thought. They don't have to be reminded of their importance because they know already. They may have paid the price of not keeping the basic disciplines, and would never want to go through that again.

The new athlete may go through it several times before they learn that lesson. They'll see the disciplines as a chore, boring, repetative, something to be endured, or completed as quickly as possible. Just check off the box and get to the good stuff. But the experienced consider the disciplines part of the good stuff.

So how ya doin'?

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2002

Answers

I have been an AME all my 50+ years and I have been taught that you are to follow the Bible and Discipline. Well for the last 15 months I have been under the leadership of a pastor that has no regards for the Discipline, infact when he first came to us he stated he has not had a discipline since 1976 and he has been in the ministry for over 30 years. correct me if i am wrong, but isn't this is the book used to govern our church or are we now at the point we could care less. I am fasting and praying during this lenten season: hoping the Lord will guide me if i should leave the AME church all together. I have been drilled that the discipline is our govern law and when I'm told by a leader it's not important and that we don't have to follow it. that's a bit much. I am hopeful God will take care of this matter. But as for me and my household we follow the Bible and the Disciplne.

-- Anonymous, February 27, 2002

Actually sister I was thinking more in terms of personal habits when speaking of the disciplines, not the document. But I see what you're talking about. I'd hope that a pastor would be in agreement with the essentials of his organization. We call that "voluntary cooperative fellowship".

The disciplines I'm speaking of involve the personal habits of a mature Christian. They add up to strength and consistency, and a strong walk with Jesus when practiced properly. I encourage everyone to take a look at themselves, and determine if there are some daily habits that would benefit their walk with God. I listed only a few.

-- Anonymous, March 01, 2002

Well sir I am walking as close with God daily as I can, I start my morning at 4am with prayer, meditation and scripture until 5am, then off to the gym for two hours of workout and prayer. I attend a very powerful Bible study. So I am walking with God and I try to stay in his covering all day. To God b e the Glory.

-- Anonymous, March 04, 2002