Freedom in Discipline: Living Surrendered Lives in Christ
Devotional by Pastor Dakota Swinton
Opening Greeting:
Greetings, my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus,
I pray all is well with you and that the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ is with you in abundance. And if no one has told you yet today—you are loved. I love you, we love you, and most importantly, God loves you.
Key Verse:
1 Corinthians 10:23–24 (NIV)
"I have the right to do anything," you say—but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
Reflection:
This Scripture has been echoing in my heart recently, and I believe the Lord used a family trip to bring its truth to life.
Last month, Amanda and I took the kids to Michigan to visit family. While there, we allowed ourselves to indulge in foods we had intentionally abstained from—Amanda for over a year, and myself for five months. We chose convenience and fellowship over discipline. And for a moment, it felt freeing.
But the consequences came swiftly. We overspent. Our children had more meltdowns. Amanda suffered migraines and nausea. I battled fatigue, pain, inflammation—symptoms I had praised God for delivering me from.
Worst of all, we drifted spiritually. We made excuses: "I'm too tired," "I'm in pain," "I can't focus." Time with God became rare. The freedom we thought we embraced became a trap.
Biblical Insight:
Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Even in matters as simple as food, indulgence of the flesh can hinder our love for others and our ability to serve.
There is no dish, dessert, or treat worth enjoying if it costs your peace, health, presence with loved ones, or intimacy with God.
Romans 12:1–2 (NIV)
Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Matthew 16:24–25 (NIV)
Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.
Matthew 5:29–30 (NIV)
If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away... And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away.
Discipline is not bondage; it is worship. It is surrender. It is love expressed in obedience.
Reflection Questions:
What is God asking you to cut off?
What indulgence is blocking your intimacy with God?
Are your habits feeding the Spirit or the flesh?
Are you pointing others to Christ, or to compromise?
James 4:17 (NIV)
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
1 Peter 5:8–9 (NIV)
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.
We must remain vigilant. Discipline protects our joy, our family, our calling, and our witness.
Final Encouragement:
Let us live surrendered lives in Christ Jesus, lifting one another up in prayer and supporting each other in this race we run. Let us show the world the freedom that comes through surrender and the joy that flows from obedience.
Let us show the world what it really means to take care of yourself—spirit, soul, and body—as holy temples of the living God.
1 Corinthians 10:23–24 (NIV)
"I have the right to do anything"—but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
Prayer:
Lord, reveal to me the areas of my life where indulgence has taken the place of discipline. Help me to surrender again, to live with self-control, and to be a vessel of Your love and presence. Strengthen me to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow You fully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Benediction:
May the amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, and the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Blessings and grace,
Pastor Dakota Swinton