Well, this is the final chapter of Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes, and quite possibly my favorite chapter. I have enjoyed reading this book again and taking the time to really think through each chapter. She begins this final chapter with a reminder of what we learned in the opening chapters: discipline means training. Hughes writes, “The disciplines godly woman rids herself of associations, habits, and attitudes that impede godliness. Then she invests her energy in the pursuit of godliness.” She fills this short chapter with encouragement and practical exhortations for the challenge to work hard toward godliness as God’s grace works so abundantly in us.
I love this quote: “Legalism says, ‘I will do this thing to gain merit with God,’ while discipline says, ‘I will do this because I love God and want to please him.’ Legalism is man-centered; discipline is God-centered.” She then gives her explanation for how to be disciplined without being legalistic.
- Prioritize. “Begin by reviewing the disciplines we’ve covered in this book and divide them into two lists–one list for areas in which you’re doing pretty well already and one list for areas in which you need help.” I did this after my first reading of the book and will share my lists (and my “plan”) in another post.
- Be realistic. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. It’s a marathon, not a sprint!
- Pray!
- Be accountable.
- If you stumble, “get right back to your commitments again. It is often ‘three baby steps forward’ and then ‘one giant step backward.’ But don’t give up!
She ends this chapter with a wonderful reminder of the abundance of God’s grace that He joyfully supplies to His children. I don’t know about you, but it gives me great joy knowing that I was saved by grace alone, I will grow in godliness by grace alone, and one day I will be glorified as a work of that same grace! It is God’s grace at work in me that moves me to discipline myself for godliness. It is God’s work which He began and He alone is going to see to completion! That does not mean I sit here like a bump on a log, but I recognize the work begins and ends with God.
Hughes closes with this final sentence and a song:
“Sisters, as we attempt to do God’s will, He always gives more grace.”
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done;
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power has no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
–Ann Johnson Flint
Ads
Leslie Wiggins 
5 responses to “Grace of Discipline”
This has been a great series! I have enjoyed it so much, and benefited from your writing.I just noticed the quote on your side bar. I just listened to a sermon yesterday (on-line) where the pastor quoted that exact hymn! He was finishing up a series on Jonah and told us that John Newton wrote 2 hymns about Jonah’s gourd. The words are powerful! I’m so glad you posted it. You can read the other one at the pastor’s blog here:http://pastortimgraceslo.blogspot.com/2007/01/blasted-gourds.htmlIt was a great series, one I’d highly recomend. I think you can download the sermons from his blog.
LikeLike
This statement really resonated with me – it’s a reminder to keep things in perspective- “I don’t know about you, but it gives me great joy knowing that I was saved by grace alone, I will grow in godliness by grace alone, and one day I will be glorified as a work of that same grace! It is God’s grace at work in me that moves me to discipline myself for godliness. It is God’s work which He began and He alone is going to see to completion! That does not mean I sit here like a bump on a log, but I recognize the work begins and ends with God.” Btw, I love that song, too.
LikeLike
Being accountable to someone else- a Christian friend I dearly trust- is the kicker for me. I have always found that to be my greatest joy as I’m working toward godliness! When I have time, I look forward to reading back over the rest of the study!
LikeLike
I love the last part of this.His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,His power has no boundary known unto men;For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
LikeLike
About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole – four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months – I actually thought I was in hell. I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away – but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process]. I was released from hospital 16th September 1994, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins. Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my “psychological prison.” I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He’s a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages [England & Australia]. God LOVES me so much. Fear, pain, & shame, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 – 17].Peace Be With YouMicky
LikeLike