Being self-disciplined is one of those virtues that can seem daunting at first, but it can reap rewards once we are able to apply it in our Christian lives. It’s not just about having the willpower to say “no” to temptations; it’s also about intentionally cultivating habits that help us grow closer to God and lead more fruitful lives. So often in our daily living we are able to discipline ourselves to either go to the gym 3 times a week, or make sure we eat our meals on time, or even to make sure we clean the house regularly. However, when it comes to spiritual matters, we may tend to forget or neglect even reading the Bible or coming to church regularly.
The heart of self-discipline is surrender. James 4:7 encourages us, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” When we choose to surrender our will to God, He helps us to better resist temptations. Prioritizing prayer, Bible study, and moments of quiet reflection help us to align with His ways. These practices make it easier to withstand against distractions that would pull us away from Him.
Daily routines are a key part of self-discipline. Small, consistent actions—like setting aside time each morning to read scripture or journal—add up to our spiritual growth over time. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
Today we have the utmost convenience of technology where we receive daily, via email, “The Spiritual Bread of the Day” by Uncle Jimmy. Brother Ernest has also contributed the Daily Bible Reading Guide monthly which comes in digital and paper format. These are good helps for those who have no idea where to start in their own personal Bible Study, and it is easy to follow without taking too much time. You probably only need a few minutes to finish “The Spiritual Bread of the Day,” so we shouldn’t have any excuse! When we build habits to consistently feed on spiritual food, this accumulatively lays a foundation that can help us withstand life’s inevitable challenges.
Self-discipline also strengthens our relationships. Proverbs 15:1 tells us, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger". Having self-control helps us to better manage our emotions and approach conflicts with patience. It’s easier to love, show kindness, and live with integrity when we can put others before ourselves.
That being said, self-discipline is not about being hard on ourselves. Just like a muscle, it takes time to develop. We will have moments where we have difficulty following our plan, but we just have to continue to persevere and keep striving. We are to be reminded that we are doing it for God and also for our eternal reward in Heaven. Colossians 3:23-24 tells us: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
Therefore, let’s pray for self-discipline in specific areas of our lives. Whether it’s in our spiritual lives, work, or relationships, let’s trust God in His guidance and strength to stay committed to the path He has for us.
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