In 2023, we committed to following Jesus's teachings on character building from the Gospels in the Christian Bible. Through our unwavering dedication to this upstanding endeavor, we explored and implemented 49 invaluable character traits. We hope everyone who engages with our devotion understands the profound significance of assuming personal responsibility for developing a Christ-like character with God's Love. May this pursuit become an inseparable part of your very identity and the essence of your being? As disciples of Christ, we discover that discipline is the cornerstone upon which a life of love and goodness happens through loyalty and obedience to Christ, where Christian Character Counts.

The Gospel of Matthew presents a powerful example of how Jesus teaches us the discipline necessary to construct a Christ-like character. Before presenting his first command, “Repent” (Matthew 4:17), to the last, “Make Disciples” (Matthew 28:19), of the 49 traits, the passage recounts the moment when Jesus, after His baptism by John the Baptist, is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1-11). As we reflect on this story, we can draw valuable lessons on discipline and its application to build a character that meets the demands of reality to help redeem life. It's important to remember that although Jesus faced challenges through discipline and faith, He overcame them just as you and I can.

Imagine placing yourself in the sandals of Jesus, prepared at the height of a critical moment in His ministry (Matthew 4:1). This juncture demanded unwavering discipline and steadfastness in the face of adversity. Jesus fasted for forty days and nights, nourishing His soul and meticulously preparing Himself for the imminent challenges ahead. Through this profound act of self-denial, Jesus superbly exemplifies the foundational aspect of discipline - the innate capacity to forgo immediate or self-gratification in pursuit of a greater purpose. By deliberately abstaining from physical sustenance (Matthew 4:1-4), controlling pain and hardship (Matthew 4:5-7), and steadfastly refusing to succumb to the allure of possession or pride (Matthew 4:7-10), Jesus emphatically communicates that discipline encompasses profound sacrifice and the rare ability to prioritize long-term aspirations above fleeting and self-centered desires.

Through this powerful example, Jesus teaches us that discipline is not just about self-control but loyalty and obedience to God's will. By triumphing over the hostile forces of this world, Jesus shows us that discipline is a vital component of a life of love and goodness. Through discipline, we develop character traits that mirror the very essence of Jesus, and it is this heart and mind we are called to be disciplined disciples of Christ. 

Let us commit ourselves to cultivating discipline in our lives so that we may truly reflect the character of Jesus. We develop the traits that mirror His love, compassion, and righteousness through discipline. By embracing discipline, we become disciplined disciples of Christ, walking in His footsteps and shining His light in a world that desperately needs it where Christian Character Counts.

With hope,

Pastor Drake