Discipline

“The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; 

the cords of his sin hold him fast. 

He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.”

Proverbs 5:22-23, NIV

I was inspired one evening after working with my first daughter on Bach’s Minuet in G minor. The daughter of two pianists, she is turning out to be quite a musical pianist herself. I smiled when she asked me a question that I often hear from my college students. With a sweet voice and an inquisitive expression on her face, she inquired:


“Daddy, do you think you will ever run out of things to change in this piece?”


She knows her daddy too well. I suppose, my students know equally well that I will always ask for more -- more expressiveness, more clarity, more heart, more energy, more . . . Well, after hearing her question, I smiled and simply said, 


“I hope so.” 


She, too, smiled. Then, after a short while, she sighed, 


“It will take a lot of discipline.”


After a precious moment like that, I slept well.


Since then, the concept of discipline has wrapped itself around my brain, causing me to reflect on its role in music and its potential impact on my faith. As a child, I did not much care for the word “discipline” because I took it to mean harsh correcting, scolding, and at times, cruel spanking. Though well-meaning, some of my grade school teachers thought that was the only way to discipline me and my classmates.


I was blessed to have a mom who was wise and so, early on, I broached the topic and told her of my issue at school. She guided me to this verse:

“Discipline your children, 

for in that there is hope; 

do not be a willing party to their death.”

Proverbs 19:18, NIV

She highlighted first and foremost that discipline was a matter of life and death; without it, the soul of a person slowly dies. She taught me that discipline is a virtue. It is a that quality should be desired, cultivated, nurtured, and developed. It is a set of skills that can influence generations of people. Instead of undermining the authority of my teachers, she made me see that, deep down, my grade school teachers were hoping to inculcate life-changing skills into my brain and heart. She also empowered me by pointing out it was up to me whether I got scolded or spanked by my teachers because their method of discipline was really guided by my behavior.


Let me just say I did not get spanked again!


I also never thought of discipline the same way ever again.


That important lesson served me well in my music learning. It did not take long for me to see that the piano required a great deal of discipline. So, I learned to practice consistently, meticulously, and regularly throughout high school. When I was admitted into the studio of Ms. Jennie Wong, my beloved piano teacher at Biola, I learned to appreciate her take on discipline. She said something to the effect of, “Learning to play the piano is an ounce of musical talent and loads of discipline.” She further told me that it was her duty and joy to teach the next generation of pianists to be disciplined musicians. In doing so, she contributed to the survival of the art form. Her influence helped me tremendously in more areas than just piano playing.


I am convinced that all good musicians will agree with Ms. Jennie Wong. I have gleaned from my numerous teachers that discipline means:

• Be diligent. Figure out what you must do and stick with it rain or shine.
• Practice when you do not feel like it and practice at least six days a week.
• Study the score carefully and do what it says.
• Listen to your teacher. Trust him/her and treat him/her with respect . . . even when you do not feel inclined to do so.
• Be an avid learner. Learn until you are transformed and keep learning some more.
• Be humble. There is always someone who can play/sing better than you can. Pick his/her brain.
• Be grateful and joyful. God singled you out by entrusting you with a precious gift.
• Do the things mentioned above and thrive -- that is life. Failure to apply them into your work means the end (death) of your career.

As I think of the above list, I cannot help but see how biblical it is. Our God values, honors, and cherishes those who love discipline. He not only wants us to be disciplined, He also wants us to influence others to become equally disciplined.


How can we do that? By teaching and training others well.
What ought we to teach them? How might we best train them?


The last words of Jesus before His ascension provide the best answer, 

“Go and make disciples of all nations, 

baptizing them . . . and teaching them 

to obey everything I have commanded you . . .” 

Matthew 28:19-20

So, discipline is really about making disciples, not angrily whipping people into shape. Discipline is really teaching and training people to become obedient to Christ in all matters.


What is the takeaway for us? What is our discipline quotient today? Are we being the kinds of influencers, teachers, and trainers that point people to Christ through our behavior, work, and leisure? Are we making disciples through our music making? Does our time management teach and train others to desire Christ? Does our diligence inspire others?


O Christ, thank You for training us in righteousness and truth. Help us to gain the wisdom of complete obedience. Teach us to walk with You and never without You. May we learn to reflect Your truth and glory to others wherever we go! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.