Disciples, Apostles, and Saints!
I have long championed the use of words we might not fully appreciate. Words that have either lost their true meaning or those that have been narrowed by the way some would use them.
Discipline is one of those words.
It brings to mind self-control and punishment. Of working hard to get things done and also spanking a child for not listening to directions. What neither of these brings to mind is joy, connection, or deep learning.
What we know from human psychology is that punishment is an ineffective teacher—particularly if we have something we intend to teach with it. And our common uses of discipline are all fundamentally punishing. They don’t evoke joy, curiosity, or compassion.
The church speaks of our actions during Lent as discipline. And what we mean are practices. Things we do that open ourselves up to learn, engage with our neighbors, and listen to God’s voice.
When we enter into the discipline of Lent, we’re not seeking control that isn’t ours or to punish ourselves for who we think we’re supposed to be. We are offering a more open posture, engaging more intentionally with our environment, and preparing ourselves for the joy and intimacy such openness brings.
With love,
Drew