Discipline is a difficult word in today’s world. It immediately conjures up images of school and regulation and a limiting of freedom. I like the Benedictine sense of discipline because for them the word is not draconian or punishing but it is like a weighing out of measures on a scale, a setting of a standard of balance. It is not so harshly enforced that it destroys all possibility of self-discipline and yet by the same token it is a solid framework which promotes growth and wholeness.
Throughout his Rule we have this sense of St Benedict communicating with us that God is not fooled. He sees everything as it is. In the twenty first century we struggle with that because it requires from us a high level of accountability and also reminds us that we are mutually accountable to one another – with the concept of living a mutual discipline.
A Christian community must accept people for who they are but also set standards for community life. The concept of mutual discipline is also built on the forming of a community that is separated from the world but also part of it. Obedience is like a solid line that runs through community life. It forms the boundaries that keeps the soul safe but also is the aqueduct that brings the soul living water. Obedience is not a point of separation but is rather a point of reconciliation of the soul to God and itself. Obedience must always lead us to Christ and to serving Him and our fellow human beings otherwise it is a false humility. So rather than discipline and obedience being a limiting of freedom – it is in obedience to God that we are liberated.....
John Wesley was a great community builder and even now hundreds of years later his words have great wisdom. This is based on his ‘Portrait of a Methodist’. It can make for daunting reading, but I think it is a framework that Christians who seek to live in community and have a vision for building up the Kingdom of God, should aspire to.
A Methodist is one whose heart is filled with the love of God by the Holy Spirit. He loves the Lord his God with all his heart and soul and mind and strength. She rejoices evermore, prays without ceasing and in everything gives thanks. His heart is full of love for all of humanity and is purified from envy, wrath, malice and every unkind affection. Her one desire and the one purpose of her life is not to do her own will but the will of God. He keeps all God’s commandments from the least to the greatest. She doesn’t follow the customs of this world, for vice does not lose its nature through becoming fashionable. He approaches all things even-mindedly and in moderation and practises good stewardship of his financial resources. She cannot speak evil of other any more than she can lie. He cannot utter unkind or evil words. She seeks the good of all people, neighbours, strangers, friends and enemies.Passages for study:
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Psalm 119:41-45
Isaiah 40:12-14; 27-31
Matthew 6:19-24
Ezekiel 47:1-12
Romans 5:1-11
Romans 8:18-39
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