Discipline Builds Virtue
While A Routine Creates Saints

“A Routine makes Saints” - Father Mina

What is a Saint?

Sainthood is a choice. A saint is one who chooses their Lord everyday. Who chooses to put to death the will of their flesh while consequently allowing the Spirit to guide their path. One who chooses to keep their eyes on the heavenly gifts from above in opposition to the ones of this fleeting world. We are all called to Sainthood. We are all called to Perfection. A perfect life belongs to those who treat life as a race. A race where only one can receive the prize. As 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27 says, a race where you run in such a way that you may obtain it. Where you understand that others may run to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. A saint is one who runs with confidence, with no hint of uncertainty. A saint is one who runs the same way as Saint Paul once proclaims; A way of disciplining the body. Bringing it into subjection.

Discipline: The Pathway to Holiness

Discipline is a powerful force in the journey towards spiritual growth and Holiness. The Bible as well as the life of the Saints consistently stresses the importance of discipline in shaping a virtuous life. Discipline nurtures righteousness. With discipline, you can easily choose right over wrong. Life over death. With discipline, you can be transformed. With discipline, you can truly understand that the human heart beats only for its Creator and that in all that you do, there is a choice. With discipline comes self control. As we have seen often with the fasting of the mind, soul, and body. This fasting, if done right, will never be in vain.

A person who runs in a race is disciplined. They do not go straight to the race but instead have been practicing day after day. Week after week. Month after month they wake up and practice, even when it is not appealing to them. Even when they are tired; Even when it is raining, they do not give up. More like they cannot afford to, for they are trying to win. They are committed to a goal, and bend their life to accommodate for that goal. They become earnest and honest. No one will see if they skip, but they will know. Self control often comes with sacrifice, but like I have said before, never in vain.

A runner will often have to resist temptation. The temptation to stay in bed. The temptation to eat unhealthily. The temptation to give up. But, they are goal oriented. They understand that what is coming is far more great than what they see now. They understand that when they are truly faithful over a little, they will be set over much.

Their perseverance builds the mind, soul, and body. They become strong in all aspects of their life. Leading to true wisdom and dedication. Proverbs 12:1 states, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid." This verse highlights that embracing discipline is synonymous with a love for wisdom and understanding. Discipline is not merely about following rules; it is about cultivating a mindset that seeks growth and enlightenment.

A Routine Makes Saints

In order to achieve true discipline, you must base your life on routine. We as Christians fight a battle everyday. But with a routine, with our canons, we can slowly but surely win. In fact, a routine has a 100% success rate. No matter the obstacle, if you stick to your routine, you will succeed. When you have routine in your life, when you have a structure, your life becomes meaningful. You start to truly build your house on top of a rock instead of sand. When you choose your lord everyday, it becomes a habit.

But, though with a high success rate, this will lead to even more challenges. It will be hard. You will be fought, tempted. And if you were on your own, you would fail. But, surely enough, we are not.

We have a God that promises success through him. A God that promises to take 100 steps, if you just take that one. A God that proclaims if you have searched for Him diligently, you WILL find him. With a God like this, who can question this 100% success rate.
A routine may look like a lot of work. It may even look unappealing. But, it has made saints. Sainthood is a choice to keep going even when things get hard. Even when you become tempted. Even when faced with death.

With school nearing, remember to pack a routine that remembers and Glorifies your Lord. Remember a routine that bends your whole life to fit His Holy Name. Do not be blinded by the distractions that come with life for you can Glorify the Lord in all you do. Always look for Him. Yearn for Him. As you awake, call onto His Holy Name. As you rest, no matter how tired, thank Him. Discipline, as portrayed in the Bible, is integral to the journey towards holiness. Thus, discipline indeed becomes the pathway to holiness, embodying the essence of a life devoted to God.

“Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days to come”
Ecclesiastes 12:1