When it comes to self-discipline, I see myself as more disciplined than many, but less disciplined than I should be. Reflecting on my life, I find I am now more disciplined than at other times in my life and less disciplined than at others. All this to say that self-discipline is a challenge we must constantly address and perhaps never fully master.
And yet it is key not only to a productive life but to living life in a manner that glorifies and pleases our Lord. To be disciplined in ways that do not promote our spiritual growth may be noble pursuits, but in the end, they won’t count for anything. The only discipline worth pursuing is that which brings us closer to Christ and molds us into His image.
Some of this will be old news to some, but it doesn’t mean it’s not worth hearing again. We become what we practice, so if we want to become more like Christ, we must practice the disciplines that honor Him and shape our lives in a way that makes us look like Him. Each of our lives is different from one another’s. We are all at different points in working out our salvation (Philippians 2:12). That we are not yet perfect is something we all have in common. None of us has yet to lay hold of fully knowing Jesus (Philippians 3:10-12). While it is often said that we are all works in progress, it’s possible to be in progress with no sort of plan for where that progress leads.
Self-help and affirmations can be useful tools, but only if they direct us to be more disciplined in our walk with Jesus. If you’ve been a Christian for any amount of time, you’re likely aware the key spiritual disciplines are prayer and the reading, memorization of, and meditation on God’s Word. There are other disciplines like fasting and corporate worship that are immensely helpful, but if you will orient your life around the disciplines of prayer and the study of God’s Word, it will reshape your life and make you more like Jesus.
Noting that it is beneficial in every way, Paul instructed Timothy to be disciplined in godliness (1 Timothy 4:7-8). Physical training provides some benefit here on earth, but training in godliness has an eternal impact. As we increase our discipline in the things of God, the bad habits in our life will fall away. The more you come to know God, the less you desire to do anything that offends Him. Old sinful patterns become less appealing and the desire to please God will consume your thoughts and actions.
There is nothing you can do that will make you more disciplined in godliness than the careful study and memorization of God’s Word. In His second letter to Timothy, Paul reminds him that, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Don’t be a lazy believer. Discipline yourself and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This is our life’s work. To know and glorify God is the highest calling in life.