“The Marginalization of Discipline”

2 Timothy 1: 7: “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” Discipline enters the picture when we realize that God has given us gifts, which we are responsible to use effectively. We know that the Lord will guard and keep that gift (v 12), but only we can grow in our understanding and ability to use them when and where He commands. If we do not discipline ourselves to do so, we lose our fruitfulness and weaken our relationship with God.