Discipline.
Nobody likes discipline. In our postmodern world we have shunned the concept of disciplining. Discipline is about boundaries. The postmodernist, though, sees rules as antiquated ideas used by those in power to control. To the postmodernist, there is no absolute truth, so there can be no boundaries.
Therefore, we don't practice self-discipline, indulging ourselves in whatever we fancy. We don't discipline our children for fear of hurting their little self-esteems. We live for the present, not caring about future consequences, under some illusion that because there are no boundaries, there are no consequences. After all, how can you have a consequence for crossing that which does not exist?
Our current "crisis" in the mortgage and financial sector are a result of a lack of discipline. Not fearing a consequence of their actions, they made irresponsible decisions. Now, with looming "bail-out," Congress is poised to ensure that they don't feel the consequences of their actions. They won't learn a thing!
The Hebrews writer reminds us that, "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." (Hebrews 12:11). Yes, it would be bad for everybody if these companies were allowed to fold. It might even bring on a Depression. BUT...that is just the disciplining process. The end result of that happening, though, is that people and corporations will learn to be responsible. They will learn to be self-disciplined.
We are at a crossroads of philosophy. Do we listen to Timon's "Hakuna Matata" philosophy have "no worries" about how our present day actions will affect the future? Or, do we realize that the best way to teach people that a stove is hot is to let them get burned?
Inspired by John Stossel's column, "What happened to Market Discipline."
1 comment:
great thoughts on discipline, here. I found you via Kevin Bowman, btw. I agree the concept of self-discipline is something that is generally disregarded in our culture, and the church, unfortunately, is no exception. sadly, i often find the discipline that I think should be prevalent in believers' lives only in the field of secular business. and even there, it can be a rarity. it'll be interesting and beautiful to see the Lord redeem this crisis and irresponsibility on our part. as you said, it might not look like a "bail-out" - God's agenda is ultimately for good, but doesn't always look like what we expect. thanks for sharing!
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