DISCIPLINE
Discipline is one of our core values. It is very important at this point that we discuss this because the way things are going in the society calls for very serious steps to be taken in order to arrest complete moral decadence. For us to have a peaceful place to live in, discipline is very much needed.
Discipline, in the context we shall be discussing means, ‘ to punish as a way to bring about good behaviour; to train in self – control or obedience; to bring under control .
Discipline can also be defined as an orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behaviour. Discipline has helped a lot of people to be shaped to conform with societal morals or workplace ethics.
The best form of discipline is however self- discipline. It is the ability to control and motivate yourself, stay on tract and do what is right regardless of how you are feeling physically or emotionally. Discipline is a learned behaviour. It is the number one trait needed to accomplish your goals. It requires daily practice if it must be mastered. Self-discipline has three parts, viz active discipline, reactive discipline and proactive discipline.
Active discipline simply means doing what you have to do in that very moment. No procrastination. Eg, an individual can demonstrate this by switching off his or her handset when he/she wants to study.
Reactive discipline means controlling your thoughts or behaviours when dealing with unforseen situations. Eg , when you are offended, you refuse to take revenge. You decide not to follow the “an eye for an eye approach”.
Proactive Discipline:- Doing things in advance in an effort to better control a situation. This could be achieved by creating a to- do – list with the items on the list prioritized.
HOW DO I CULTIVATE SELF DISCIPLINE?
- Get to know your weaknesses and strength
- Don’t wait for it to get right
- Set clear goals and have execution plans
- Start small. You can eat Ian elephant with one bite at a time
- Create new habits
- Practice daily, start again if you fail
- Get a mentor.
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT DISCIPLINE
In the ancient Hebrew of proverbs, discipline means to instruct, correct, chastise, or rebuke. It doesn’t mean punish or beat. We use both words and actions, warnings and consequences. The motive in discipline is to teach love; the goal is to teach obedience and the result is, short term- pain and long term – gain.
- Hebrews 12:11 – For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit for righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
- Proverbs 12:1 – Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge but he who hates reproof is stupid.
- Proverbs 29:17 – Discipline your son and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.
- Proverbs 23:13 – 14
Withhold not correction from the child: for if you beat him with the rod, he will not die.
You shall beat him with the rod, and shall deliver his soul from hell.
WHY DISCIPLINE?
Discipline has a lot of benefits if practiced and mastered.
- It helps one to improve ability to manage challenging emotions
- It helps one to manage his time better
- It helps us to build good habits
- A disciplined mind leads to happiness
- It prevents one from being disciplined by others
- It teaches us to operate by principles
- It enables one to have rest of mind in future
- It enables us to have a peaceful society to live in.
- It prevents us from entering trouble
- It yields a peaceful fruit of righteousness
- It helps one to achieve his goals
- It enables one to gain success
- It controls emotions and helps people to solve problems easily.
CONCLUSION:- Discipline helps one to be conscious of the task that one has to do. This enables one to work and live better.
Mr Udeme Edward
Principal, Daystar College.