The Practice of Self-Discipline

“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”  (1 Corinthians 9:27)

It’s not a flashy concept or an especially attractive idea.  It doesn’t turn heads or grab headlines.  It can appear as small as saying no to another Oreo or milkshake, another movie on Netflix, or one more hour on Facebook.  It can even feel as important as living out a decisive yes to sobriety and sexual purity.

Spiritual self-discipline isn’t a pursuit that we simply force into a habit; for if that were the case, there would be little need for the Holy Spirit in our lives.  It's best defined as the ability to regulate one's conduct by principle and sound judgment, rather than by impulse, desire, or social custom.  Biblically, self-discipline may be summarized in one word, obedience.  To exercise self-discipline is to avoid evil by staying within the bounds of God's law.

Remember, self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. (See Galatians 5:22-25)  We wouldn’t have it without the Spirit since it is His gifting and work in us.  This understanding then begs the question, “How do we become more self-disciplined in our spiritual lives?”

Self-discipline refers to self as the object of discipline rather than its source.  Even though discipline is learned, and self is the object of the discipline, the motivation and power to develop discipline comes from the Spirit.

So then, in order to become self-disciplined, we need to stop trying to take on the Spirit’s role as the source of life-changing power and rely on the strength He will faithfully work in us.  Paul told Timothy to be strengthened by the Grace of Jesus. (See 2 Timothy 2:1)  If our motivation isn’t coming from the Holy Spirit, then we will continue to be unsuccessful, and fail in the practice of self-discipline.

Our motivation will have an eternal perspective when we draw from the Holy Spirit, and He will give us the strength to, “…run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

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