Disciplined and Ready

“When we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:32 NASB

Of all the armies of history, few rivaled the success achieved by Romans. For centuries, they were victorious in most battles, against many types of adversaries.

Many keys to their success were summarized in a book called The Military Institutions of the Romans. This book was written by Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus (or simply “Vegetius”), a man who lived toward the end of the fourth century AD. In fact, all we know of his life is from this book.

He observed that Rome’s experience demonstrated that “victory in war does not depend entirely upon numbers or mere courage; only skill and discipline will insure it.” In other words, Roman armies were victorious because they never stopped training.

This “continual military training” led to great victories. They enforced “discipline in their camps” and cultivated an expertise in all “other arts of war.” Their training prepared them to face any adversary and endure any condition.

The Bible encourages us to realize that we need this same kind of discipline in our spiritual lives. Many Christians do not experience the full blessings of their faith because they lack discipline. They are not ready to face life’s challenges because they are not prepared. They experience defeat because they are not equipped for battle.

As the Romans realized, we need discipline to be ready for the future, and whatever may develop. Discipline helps us develop our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual gifts, and prepare us to face attacks. And this discipline and training helps us to be purged of sin and impurity, and more pleasing in God’s sight.

Today, remember that God wants to equip you for victory, prepare you for battle, and deliver you from judgment. Submit your life to Him. Let Him train and discipline you.

Prayer: Father, I surrender my life to You. Reveal sin and blemishes in my life. Purify me. Prepare me. Help me to be ready for Satan’s attacks. Thank You for victory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.