Abide

Not surprisingly, Jesus makes this connection between growth and discipline. In the gospel of John he tells his followers to "abide" in him—literally to rest and to take nourishment from the life Jesus offers (John 15:4-5). But as we abide we are told: "Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love; just as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full" (John 15:9-11). Jesus insists that joy flows from a life of discipline and obedience that includes keeping his commands. They are not separate endeavors, but intimately joined to produce an abundant life.

Also, when looking at our spiritual transformation and this concept of discipline, we often have this mentatlity: "We falsely believe that spiritual transformation is like osmosis, a process over which we have little control or responsibility." Discipline and obedience takes effort, it takes time, it takes commitment. But the result is something you will never want to take away; joy.