Discipline. 

When you think of the word “discipline,” what images come to your mind? Do you picture a parent sending their kids to timeout? Do you imagine a military drill sergeant yelling at their cadets to “drop and give me 20”? 

These ideas of what discipline looks like certainly have merit. Parents discipline their children to teach them the difference between good and bad behaviors. Military instructors correct their cadets to transform them from a civilian volunteer to a combat-ready soldier. In either case, the goal of discipline is to teach and grow positive habits. 

Let’s build on that idea... 

If we change the word slightly to self-discipline, what habits and behaviors do you picture now? Is there someone in your life that embodies self-discipline to you? 

Whether a specific person or behavior, I am confident that it is someone or something you admire and respect. That’s not a coincidence. 

Self-discipline is defined many ways: 

“the ability to control one's feelings and overcome one's weaknesses,” “the ability to pursue what one thinks is right despite temptations to abandon it,” 

“the ability to make yourself do things you know you should do even when you do not want to.” 

Pick your favorite definition. Each of these abilities is worthy of respect. 

Alright, now that we’re tracking what self-discipline means, let’s shift the question we’re asking... Does self-discipline really matter? If so, why does it matter? 

As a Christ-follower, when asking whether something matters, we should first look to God’s Word to see what He has to say on it… 

“He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness.” 

Proverbs 5:23, NLT

Woah, that’s pretty direct. Be self-disciplined or otherwise be a dying fool? Got it. Let’s check out another verse where Paul describes characteristics expected of elders in the church… 

“Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.” 

Titus 1:8, NIV 

Scripture is clear: To be godly people, we must be self-disciplined. If you’re as convinced as I am that it matters to be a self-disciplined person, the crucial next question to ask is... How do I become a self-disciplined person? 

That’s a big question, and is often easier said than done – shoutout to failed New Year’s resolutions everywhere – so let’s try to break it down into actionable steps. Pray and ask God what self-disciplines you need to implement in your life. How much of your time spent in prayer is spent listening? It may feel uncomfortable at first, but sometimes we need to ask God a question and be silent. 

Ask God what areas you need self-discipline in your life. Then just... listen... I bet He’ll bring some areas to the forefront of your mind. And be prepared – you might not like what He shows you... 

Your thoughts, your priorities, your health (spiritual, mental, or physical), your words, your selfishness, your view of yourself, your view of others? 

We all have areas we need to grow. Let God show you yours. 

Make a plan. 

Be intentional. Positive change doesn’t happen by accident. 

Struggling to get into God’s Word consistently? Make it a priority in your schedule. Pervasive negative thoughts creeping in? Setup daily reminders on your phone to “give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NLT) Social media affecting your mood and view of yourself? Acknowledge what trips you up, then set healthy boundaries. 

Whatever self-disciplines you need to implement in your life, convert those positive intentions into a concrete plan. 

Just do it. 

Easier said than done? Sure – even the very definition of self-discipline says it’s difficult. But Nike’s slogan is iconic for a reason. And it applies to our Christian walk as well. Ultimately, when all is said and done, the understanding of self-discipline is useless without action. Scripture agrees… 

“22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” James 1:22-25, NLT

Be a person of action. Listening only gets you so far. Watch how God changes you from the inside out as you become more disciplined in your life. 

And remember – you're human. Sometimes you’ll fall short, and that’s ok. God’s not going anywhere. Get back on track. Return your eyes to the Lord and remember your why. It’s worth it.