10/17/07:
"Discipline" - by Corey Klein and the Soccer Players
In today’s reading, Paul instructs that we not only compete, but that we do so in a way that will allow us to win the competition. While he puts it rather simplistically, being successful in competition is not just a choice that a person makes and then can achieve. In order to be successful, a person must exercise discipline, hard work, and perseverance. In soccer, this means practicing hard, being prepared mentally, and persisting through difficulties as they arise.
In order to succeed, it is important for every individual to exercise the utmost discipline. However, this is not when being disciplined has its greatest effect. It is most effective in community. The communities of our teams provide an environment that encourages discipline and creates an atmosphere of accountability. As a group, when we have one goal, the capability of every person to be disciplined greatly increases because of the support and influence of the other members of the group.
A person can push him or herself to improve, but ultimately, it is the community around us that can most push us beyond our comfort level. A person cannot become the best they can be alone; rather, it is when a person exercises discipline within a united community, that the most strength in pursuing a goal can be attained.
In the same way, we, as Christians, are a community. In fact, all of us that are here today are part of the SNC community. In both instances, our goal is no longer success in competition, but success in faith and life. It is the duty of all the members of the community to challenge, to support, and to help each other explore ourselves. Consider the very mission of St. Norbert College- to provide an environment that is intellectually, spiritually, and personally challenging. This is the role of a community in exercising personal discipline. The community both challenges a person and then also helps them to address these challenges.
One cannot address these challenges and experience great personal growth or achieve a lofty goal without discipline. Why would we assume that we can have a strong faith or relationship with God without hard work and discipline? A rich faith life takes effort. True faith is not something that we simply have; it is gained when we commit to seeking and pursuing true faith. When we make this commitment, challenges will arise and we may have doubts or fears; it is exercising discipline to wrestle with these difficulties both individually and as a community of disciples that will bring us to greater faith and understanding.
A reading from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians:
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one wins the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.
JENNI: When you hear the word discipline, what do you think of? (Pause) Many people think that discipline relates strictly to punishment. But discipline is much more than merely enforcing a rule….
KATE: Discipline is fighting through pain and fatigue in the 90th minute of play when your body is exhausted and your legs feel heavy.
AHMED: Discipline is also overcoming the pain of persecution and discrimination that result from voicing your convictions.
NATE: To be discipline is to follow through with your commitment to respect the other players and coaches. It is coming to practice to fulfill your commitment even when you don’t feel like it, and still giving your best effort.
LAUREN: Making time for a relationship with God can be a challenge. Discipline enables us to give ourselves this time even when you don’t feel God’s presence or seem too tired or busy.
KATE: Having respect for your opponents and giving them your best effort in competition requires discipline. Discipline keeps us from losing our temper, and helps in recognizing that sportsmanship is more important than the outcome of the game.
AHMED: Discipline is being firm in one’s own beliefs, while accepting that everyone may not share these views. It is recognizing that everyone is part of a human family and must respect each other, while not giving up personal convictions.
NATE: To be disciplined is to accept the fact that while you may not see the field as much as others or you may not be able to play because of an injury or illness, your role on the team cannot be substituted. It takes discipline to determine the role that the team needs you to play, and fill that place effectively.
LAUREN: Discipline is critical in determining your life direction. It means listening to the role that God is calling you to in the world, and having the courage to pursue that place even if this is difficult, costly, or contrary to the plans that you had for yourself.
