Self-Discipline

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate [self-controlled] in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus, I fight not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

 

What Is Discipline?

 

Discipline is the ability to control our feelings, overcome our weaknesses, and do what is right even when we do not feel like doing it.

 

When we hear the word discipline, different things may come to mind. To a child, discipline may mean correction from a parent. To a soldier, it means obedience to regulations and orders. To a student, it may mean hard work, study, and examinations. In the church, discipline can refer to correction and accountability that encourage believers to remain faithful.

 

These are all aspects of discipline, but they are largely imposed discipline—where someone else requires us to obey or behave in a certain way.

 

But there is another kind of discipline that is especially important in the Christian life: self-discipline.

 

The Bible describes this as self-control or temperance. It is part of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23, and it is something Peter encourages believers to develop in 2 Peter 1:5–6.

 

Self-discipline is important because there will not always be someone standing over us telling us when to read the Bible, how we should use our time, what we should watch, or how we should manage our resources.

 

We must choose to do what is right because we love God and want to please Him.

 

Why Do We Need Self-Discipline?

 

Everything worthwhile in life requires discipline. Whether it is education, building a business, developing a talent, maintaining relationships, or achieving a personal goal, discipline is necessary.  Many people have ambitions that are never fulfilled, goals that are never reached, and visions that never become reality—not necessarily because they lack ability, but because they lack discipline.

 

Discipline Helps Us Achieve Our Goals

 

Most valuable things do not happen overnight. They require consistency, patience, and perseverance.

 

The same is true spiritually. If we want to grow in our relationship with God, we must be disciplined in prayer, studying His Word, worship, serving, and living according to His principles.

 

The church is filled with people who genuinely want to become mature Christians and do great things for God, but desire alone is not enough.

 

We must be willing to develop the discipline required to become the people God has called us to be.

 

 

What Areas do we Need Self-Discipline

 

1. We Need to Discipline Our Minds – (Mark 7:21)
   
   “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts…”
   
   Our thoughts influence our attitudes, choices, desires, and actions.
   
   Proverbs 23:7 reminds us that what we think within ourselves affects who we become.
   
   Our minds can become a battlefield where good and evil compete for our attention. We cannot always control what thought enters our mind, but we can choose which thoughts we entertain and allow to take root.
   
   That is why we must be careful about what we watch, listen to, read, and continually think about.  If we do not discipline our minds, our minds can eventually lead us in the wrong direction.
   
   
2. We Need a Disciplined Moral Character – (1 Timothy 4:8)
   
   “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things…”
   
   Physical discipline has value, but spiritual and moral discipline has eternal value.
   
   I once knew a man who was a medical doctor. He had spent years studying, working long hours, and building his own practice. But eventually, he began drinking excessively, engaging in immoral behaviour, and neglecting his practice.  His lack of character and self-control eventually cost him his practice, his reputation, and almost his life.  Years of academic discipline could not compensate for a lack of moral discipline.
   
   Talent can take us somewhere, but character is what helps us remain there.
   
   
3. We Need to Discipline Our Speech – (James 1:26)
   
   “If anyone among you thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue… this one’s religion is useless.”
   
   We may have a disciplined mind, body, and lifestyle, but if we cannot control our tongue, we can still cause great damage.  Swearing, lying, gossip, speaking harshly, using God’s name carelessly, and saying things without considering their effect on others are all areas where we need self-control.
   
   Some people say, “I just say what I think.”
   
   But the Bible says in Proverbs 29:11:
   
   “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.”
   
   Being honest does not mean saying everything that comes into our minds.
   
   Wisdom knows not only what to say, but when to say it, how to say it, and when to remain silent.
   
   
4. We Need Discipline in Our Priorities
   
   Life places many demands on us. Family, work, school, church, friends, responsibilities, and commitments can all compete for our time and attention.  Before long, we can become so busy dealing with what is urgent that we neglect what is truly important.
   
   The issue is not always that we have too much to do. Sometimes the issue is that we have not decided what matters most.  We cannot do everything. We cannot be everywhere. We cannot give everything to everyone.  Therefore, we must learn to ask:
   
   What is important? What has God called me to do? What should come first?
   
   As Christians, our relationship with God must not be pushed to the bottom of our list.
   
   Jesus said in Matthew 6:33:
   
   “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

 

 

Self-discipline means learning to put first things first.

 

May God give us the desire to change what needs to be changed in our lives, the wisdom to know what must come first, and the self-discipline and strength to follow through.

 

 

Closing Prayer

 

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your grace and for the opportunity to grow in You. Help us to develop self-discipline in every area of our lives.

 

Help us to discipline our minds, control our words, care for our bodies, guard our character, and put the right priorities in place.

 

Give us strength when we are tempted to give up, wisdom when we are distracted, and courage to make the changes You are calling us to make.

 

Help us to run our Christian race faithfully, keeping our eyes on Jesus and the eternal prize before us.

 

May our lives bring honour and glory to You, and may we finish our race well. In Jesus’ Christ name, Amen.