"Discipline" to us baby boomers is a word that often invokes negative images--perhaps a black leather belt connecting with the back-side of an errant child. Miriam Webster defines discipline as "punishment; training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character." This word has been percolating in my thoughts for several weeks now because of a disturbing, yet thought-provoking conversation I had with the man sitting next to me during my flight to Albany. This young man (some 10 years younger than me) was an upper-level manager in a European corporation that operates in the United States. When the company decided to open a US office many years ago, it was to tap into the creative and educated US workforce. This gentleman, who is in charge of hiring, informed me that now there are almost no qualified US applicants left. In fact, he stated that he hires almost all his employees from Asia. He must interview 50 US candidates to find one person even somewhat qualified to fill a position. Why? He believes that not only are our children poorly educated by our public schools, but he went on to assert that they are essentially unteachable due to a lack of discipline. Whoa! Wait a minute. Could this man be right?
Remember that the British have long looked upon Americans as an undisciplined bunch of ragamuffins. And it was that ragamuffin, undisciplined, and unpredictable army under General George Washington that defeated the Red Coats--their superiors in almost every way--from training, to supplies, to experience in leadership. So, take that, sir....we don't want none of your discipline....or do we?
My pastor often talks about spiritual disciplines as a good thing to practice. Perhaps she is referring to "control gained by enforcing obedience or order." Or to self-control as in that "restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires." If the mission of Auxanomen is to help each other to be our best selves--the selves that God intended us to be--should we then strive to foster discipline in each other? Is self-discipline something we can teach, and if so, how? How are spiritual disciplines and self-discipline related?
The Reverand Denise Stringer gave me insights into discipline in her sermon today on The Parable of the Talents. Her message actually started with the Hebrew Scripture reading from Judges 4: 1-7: the story of Judge Deborah and General Barak. In that story she told of how the Hebrew people were able to raise an army and defeat a superior enemy. The secret to their success was not only the power of the Holy Spirit, but also the willingness of the Hebrew leaders (Deborah and Barak) to lead, and the Hebrew people to follow.
Some centuries later, the Hebrew people were again given a leader--the greatest leader of all the ages--Jesus Christ. These later Hebrews were not successful in their time because their leaders would not lead as directed by God, and the people ultimately refused to follow--instead they crucifed The Christ. The analogy to the parable of the talents was that the Hebrews took the greatest gift they ever had--the Love of God personified in the Word--and buried him as the servant buried his talent. The warning here is clear: that we must chose our leaders carefully: leaders who are grounded in the Holy Spirit, and who will not falter despite many secular pressures. And we the people, ever prayful and discerning, must be willing to follow; to take a risk, if you will, with our talents. To invest the Love of God into our fellow men and watch it grow.
So what does discipline look like in my role as a leader of this mission? Well, certainly I must be disciplined in my approach to my relationship with God and Christ though connection with the Holy Spirit. I am required to pray regularly (this includes listening) and to practice other spiritual disciplines that enhance my relationship with God. This may include sabbath time, journaling, and pursuing education to learn more about my faith and traditions. I must be willing to accept feedback from those persons I trust who are doing the same in their leadership roles. I must be disciplined about putting the needs of those I am serving ahead of my own emotions and desires when God demands it. And I must be willing to be a leader even as I know I will make human mistakes that will open me to criticism and sometimes ridicule. Finally, because the focus of my ministry is healing, I must be willing to model a healthy life-style; one that I propose to others is key to achieving the vision that God has for each of us to live healthy and productive lives. Each of these tasks is difficult in and of itself. To expect all from any one person seems an almost overwhelming request. And yet I see such a life modeled for me not only in Jesus Christ (nobody does it better), but in many faithful servants in the church. And thus, through discipline and obedience to God, we can achieve so much more than we can alone.
God, help me not to bury my Talent. Help me to be willing, on this day, to invest Your love in this world, in my brothers and sisters. Help me be willing to lead and to be led. And always keep me connected to you and your beloved Son Jesus though your Holy Spirit. Amen.
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