With this month’s focus on my leadership tip “Show Discipline”, it’s time to turn to the concept of Christian Spiritual Discipline. There’s no better place to turn than to Dallas Willard (1935-2013)—a well-renowned, well-regarded Christian scholar and author, who uniquely integrates philosophy (as a professor of Philosophy at USC), theology, and ethics with practical discipleship and Christian day-to-day living.
In 2002, he wrote Renovation of the Heart, a book I read about 5 years ago. When he was asked “What is discipline?”, Willard offered the following perspective. A discipline is an activity within our power—something we can do—which brings us to a point where we can do what we at present cannot do by direct effort. The principle of discipline is even more important in the spiritual life. Once in a seminar, a wealthy and influential leader told Willard he could not help “exploding” when he tried to talk to his rebellious son. Willard responded, “Of course you can. Just tell your wife that the next time you blow up at him you will contribute $5,000 to her favorite charity, and also every time thereafter.” The leader paused, and a smile of recognition tugged at the corners of his mouth.
Click here to learn more from Renovation of the Heart