The word "discipline" sends a chill through some people. Yet it can be a treasure-key word that unlocks the gate to constructive new ideas and actions that might remain unknown without it.
I can sympathize with the chill, for I've had lots of discipline applied to me during many years as a soldier, starting at the age of seventeen. Yet the chill went out when I saw what discipline does and why it's necessary. As a soldier I saw that discipline was necessary in order to protect me and the men under my command and to defend my country. As a Christian Scientist I could see that discipline teaches one to obey Christ, Truth, in thought and in deed. To the undisciplined individual, difficulties that present themselves may seem like punishment for disobedience. Actually, while sometimes unpleasant and often burdensome to the one making a mistake or to one not yet appreciating the object of the discipline required, these trials may help the undisciplined to distinguish between right and wrong and choose the better course.
If discipline is seen as a key to a much desired skill—or to greater spiritual understanding—the word takes on a friendly warmth instead of a chill. No doubt the disciples of Christ Jesus sometimes found it difficult to understand his teaching and put it into practice, but the good was so important that they undertook the discipline of their discipleship willingly.
Jesus not only taught his disciples the truth of God's fatherhood and love for man, but he also sent them out to preach and heal by word, example, and demonstration. He never indicated that he thought the work would be easy. It meant the discipline of self-sacrifice but brought the joy of spiritual dominion. At one point he said, "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." John 5:17;At another time, when he healed a difficult case the disciples had failed to heal, he said, "This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." Matt. 17:21;
Jesus was a man of action. His prayer and fasting were active disciplines, not passive, wishful thinking. He was always conscious of being about his Father's business, preaching the gospel, opening men's eyes to the kingdom of heaven at hand, healing them of sin and sickness.
Like the disciples of old, modern disciples need to follow the discipline of the Christ to achieve healing results. Students of Christian Science study the Bible and the writings of Mrs. Eddy and then put the truth the books reveal into practice. These disciples relate the results of their adherence to the discipline of Christlike living and thinking at the Wednesday testimony meetings of branch Churches of Christ, Scientist, and in articles and testimonies published in the Christian Science periodicals. They expect their discipline—their obedient discipleship —to get right results, and it does.
Jesus kept his thought in complete obedience to the Word of God. He knew the truth of the Scriptures and lived by them. Though he has been depicted in Old Testament terms as "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief,"Isa. 53:3; still he was well aware of the joy of his spiritual discipline. He wanted the disciples to share that joy. Of course, he wanted the whole world to share that joy, as was evidenced in his preaching, healing, and redeeming works among men.
This joy always attends spiritual progress. Students and practitioners find great joy in the spiritual discipline of Christian Science. Its study and practice are joy-bringing in themselves and achieve healing results.
It's inspiring to apprehend a new idea and see it work. Even if it seems that one has hit a mental snag or a delay in demonstration, this cannot remain discouraging, for progress is inevitable with persistent, disciplined obedience. If the goal is desirable, the steps needed to reach that goal are worthwhile, and the needed effort is not burdensome. The work involved becomes a joy in itself.
Obedience to the life-giving law of divine Principle blesses the disciplined disciple and enables him to be a transparency for spiritual light, which blesses others through healing and regeneration.
Knowing that the aims are healing and the joy of knowing one's relation to God, the Christian Scientist approaches the daily study of the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly; with joyous expectation. He pursues his research in the Scriptures and in Mrs. Eddy's writings with eagerness. He rejoices in the increase in his spiritual understanding and in his ability to help others and to overcome faults and fears in himself. The eternal truth he perceives and lives gives him strength, joy, and achievement.
A successful geologist and businessman I know once told me, "I enjoy walking through the mountains looking for useful rocks." He had spent years of hard work to achieve an understanding of his chosen field that helped others. The inspired Christian Scientist, too, can enjoy going through the Bible and Science and Health, finding spiritual ideas that help and heal him and others.
With the daily-won goal of increasing spiritual understanding ever before him, learning more of the spiritual laws that govern existence and putting what he learns into practice—which is the essence of spiritual discipline—the true disciple develops and uses his talents and stays in the consciousness of divine Love's omnipresence. Thus, he is not burdened but blessed. He knows the truth of Mrs. Eddy's words: "Beloved, that which purifies the affections also strengthens them, removes fear, subdues sin, and endues with divine power; that which refines character at the same time humbles, exalts, and commands a man, and obedience gives him courage, devotion, and attainment." The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 131.
