Discipline

In Hebrews, chapter 12 we read about God's discipline to His children.  We have just read the chapter about the Hero's of faith.  Those who stood the tests and followed God in spite of the trials they faced. Now we learn about what can make or break our faith. Discipline.
Discipline can be called: a life style of learning. 
In the natural, we begin training, or disciplining our children at a young age, teaching the do's and do
not's of life.  As 'babes in Christ' we also have things to learn, which is what a disciple is, a learner.
In Hebrews 12:1-4 we learn the reason for discipline: people are watching us.  We are examples of the Lord we follow.  Therefore, we must be more like Him, laying aside all the weights which might hinder or trip us, so we can run a better, unencumbered race. We consider Jesus, our example, who did not hesitate to run the race set before Him. So we must also run, with patience, endurance, and even joy, the race set before us.
Consider those who would train for a marathon, how they practice daily, running and conditioning their body to stand the trial before them of a distant run.  So, as Christians, we train, conditioning ourselves, to become able to run this race to the finish line, and be a winner of the prize set before us.
We first must run with patience. Yes, there will be trials and tests, but we must keep our eye on the finish line, considering the example of Jesus, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, the shame and our sin, knowing he would gain the seat on the throne beside His Father.
We read further, in verse 10-14, of the result of our discipline.  It may seem hard for the time of the trial, but consider the reward.  God disciplines us so we can be 'partakers' of His holiness.  We have to set our eyes on the prize set before us. Not a gold ring, or ribbon!  This prize is 'partakers of his holiness'. We are promised a reward that will be greater than any earthly prize.  "Holiness" without which no one can enter the presence of our Heavenly Father.
We each have our own race to run.  God has a path for you to travel. He knows just what will be needed for you to be a winner.  He will train us to be more like His Son, Jesus Christ, if we will only allow ourselves to submit to the discipline of  the Holy Spirit, who was sent to teach and guide us in all things.  Study the 12-29 verses of this chapter to learn more about our discipleship. 
Get better prepared to run this race that is set before each of us, for the prize is worth any effort and training we endure.  Set your eyes on that goal! Eternal Life!