We appreciate science in a practical way. One of our favorite science principles is entropy. Entropy comes from a principle of thermodynamics dealing with energy. It refers to the idea that everything in the universe eventually moves from order to disorder, and entropy is the measurement of that change.
In the beginning, when God first created, all was ordered. But now, because of sin, the world is given over to imperfection and disorder rules. Here are some examples:
- Weeds overtake the garden.
- Engines deteriorate from wear and tear.
- Burning logs disintegrate to ash, smoke and gases.
- Ice melts to water.
- Water evaporates, as molecules are more dispersed and disordered.
A favorite example of entropy occurs inside a child’s bedroom. Even before a child knows what entropy is, they find it quite easy to report, “My room just got messed up. I don’t know how it happened!”
Now let’s consider what has to happen to prevent entropy from creating total destruction and chaos in our lives—discipline. The application of discipline is “any activity, exercise, or regiment that develops or improves a skill; training”.
Behaviors that combat the natural order of deterioration require discipline.
Here are a few examples:
- Exercise inhibits muscle atrophy.
- Diet combats weight gain.
- Laws and societal norms discourage uncontrolled behavior.
- Rules define guidelines for play.
- Instructions incorporate new ideas in an organized manner.
- Love restrains wanton behavior.
- Forgiveness restores broken relationship.
All of these examples require discipline, and often, training.
For a view of how absurd it is to kick against God, watch a toddler who is fighting sleep. It makes no sense.
Discipline is a spiritual necessity. Will we surrender to God’s discipline that overflows from His love or will we resist to the point of exhaustion?
Hebrews 12:11
All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
The fruit of discipline and training can be seen in our physical bodies. As we exercise, our bodies adapt, strengthen and benefit from training. This same principle of discipline applies to our spiritual lives. Our spiritual lives change, grow, and strengthen from training in God’s word.
1 Timothy 4:7-9(CSB)
But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness.8 For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.9 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.
Training in godliness is beneficial in every way and gives us hope. We relate to spiritual training in a tangible way as it parallels physical training. We see our need for God’s strength and purpose in our lives as we believe, expect, and receive His grace to complete His work in us (2 Cor. 9:8).
As we walk in spiritual discipline, we are encouraged by the example of believers before us.
Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
We praise God for the privilege to press on. We turn to Him, praise, and trust Him as we reach forward to what lies ahead.