Up until the 1800’s, sailing ships of various shapes were the primary intercontinental mode of transport. Although these ships came in a variety of designs, they were all entirely dependent on the invisible yet powerful force of the wind. The skill of the ship’s captain was demonstrated in his ability to capture this free, renewable source of power that was productive only if the mast and sails were in good operational condition. The captain’s first priority, therefore, was to repair any broken masts or torn sails as quickly as possible. Without that happening his navigational and leadership skills would be irrelevant.
Sailing ships are a picture of our discipleship. With the ascension of Christ, discipleship took on a new dimension. His physical presence would be exchanged for the power of His Spirit. This exchange was so important that Jesus told His disciples to wait for the Spirit’s arrival before they attempted to carry out their mission (Acts 1:8). The book of Acts records the coming of the Holy Spirit and the Spirit’s dramatic empowerment of the disciples.
That same power of the Spirit is available to us today. It is the power to live as an apprentice of the Master, experience real life change, and fulfill our mission. But just like the sailing ships are dependent on the mast and sails to capture the power of the wind, we too must raise our spiritual sails to capture the invisible wind of the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, we will be like a row boat drifting on the cultural currents of the sea. We must learn to raise our sails and tap into His invisible, renewable power.
I have suggested that authentic discipleship (discipleship on the resurrection side of the cross) is defined as a life of apprenticeship to Jesus and His kingdom (read more TADB025). This involves the intentional pursuit of knowing, reflecting and sharing Christ (read more TADB027) … by means of critical spiritual disciplines: the sails on our ship.
In order for a sailing ship to function it takes both a mast and sails. The mast is the structure that holds the sails in place. Masts do not capture the wind but give support to the sails so they can function effectively. In the same way the spiritual wind of the Holy Spirit is captured as our mast of discipline (self-control) holds up the sails of spiritual practices (disciplines).
Discipline is the ability to do what we should do even when we don’t have to. In my infantry training with the US Army, I didn’t have to be disciplined to do calisthenics. It was a mandatory 5:00 am formation every day. It took endurance but not discipline. Now, however, to stay in shape physically, it takes discipline. I should exercise, but I don’t have to.
“Discipline strictly speaking, is activity carried on to prepare us indirectly for some activity other than itself.” *
Being disciplined does not mean being rigid, automatic, or mechanical. A disciplined person is one who is able to direct his/her mind and body to perform a chosen action. When a task is repeated over time it can become a habit or practice. This is true for both harmful and healthy habits. Spiritual disciplines are simply healthy habits of our heart and soul.
The focus is not the practice, but rather the anticipated result of the practice. Spiritually, the anticipated result (the purpose of discipline and disciplines) is to grow in godliness just as Paul exhorted Timothy (1 Timothy 4:7) This kind of discipline is exercising effort and commitment in order to bring the mind and body in alignment with Christ and His kingdom. Paul’s own life was an example as he disciplined himself like a boxer or a runner so that he could finish his race well (I Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Tim. 4:7).
Could the lack of spiritual discipline in our Christian culture imply that we really don’t value the goal of godliness and finishing our race well? Are we content with our current level of maturity or spiritual condition? Do we get disciplined only when we are in pain or discomfort, but once the pain is gone, return once again to spiritual passivity?
If we are to live as life-long apprentices of Christ, we must learn to capture the power of the wind of the Spirit. We must value His purposes for our lives enough to exercise self-control, intentionally raising our spiritual sails on the mast of self-discipline.
In the next blog I will talk about the actual spiritual practices that make up the sails on our ship. Discipleship is not simply practicing but practicing the right things for the right reasons.
*D. Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines, p120
I love the picture of sailing in relation to discipleship. For me, the struggle is staying consistent in the disciplines in order to reap the full benefits. To more consistently live a Spirit-filled life that draws me closer to God is my goal. Thanks for the insight.