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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 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.
1 Corinthians 9:24 – 27
Personal discipline isn’t talked about much these days. Most people only want to talk about what’s fun and what feels good. Most Christians want to suit up and show up. But they really should spiritually grow up before they go up!
However, discipline is critical for spiritual growth. To grow in the Lord, we must master our moods, watch our words, restrain our reactions, stick to a schedule, manage our money, and handle our health.
What areas should Christians want to pay attention to? Prayer, Bible study, Fellowship (church involvement), and sharing their faith. Areas of character like moral purity, honesty, decency, integrity, and generosity. Areas to pay attention to are the use of time, talents, treasures, tongue, and temple (body).
Those who want to grow spiritually often do things others are reluctant to do.
Four Facts About Spiritual Maturity
- It Only Happens to Christians
“Jesus…said… ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God’.” (John 3:3)
- It Doesn’t Happen Automatically
“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again…For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.” (Hebrews 5:12, 13)
- It Is A Process
“But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)
THERE ARE NO SHORT CUTS!
IF YOU TRY TO TAKE A SHORT CUT…
YOU WILL BE CUT SHORT!
- It Takes Personal Discipline
“…and exercise yourself toward godliness.” (1 Timothy 4:7b)
How to develop the habit of personal discipline in your life:
1. Acknowledge you lack the discipline to succeed.
Even the apostle Paul, who was exceptionally disciplined, struggled at times. But when he did, the Bible says he admitted it:“… I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do…for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.” (Romans 7:15-18 NKJV).
Paul didn’t justify his lack of discipline. He acknowledged his personal willpower wouldn’t be enough. There are no quick fixes here. Like Paul, we must admit we need help to be more disciplined.
What is success? It’s just getting up one more time than you fall. Don’t lay down and stay down.
2. Trust the Lord to assist you.
Stop saying you can’t change. In learning self-control, faith is critical. So, trust that God can help, no matter how often you fail.
We can’t, but God can, so we will: “…God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13 NJKV).
Our actions are based on our beliefs. Our behavior is based on our beliefs. Our convictions control our conduct. Instead, focus on changing your thoughts, not just working on the symptoms (the actions). Trust the Lord to assist you.
The stronger your beliefs, the better your behavior as are convictions and conduct.
3. Accept The Promises for you in God’s Word.
Remove the negative thinking (the belief that you can’t do it) and accept the positive (a promise from God’s Word). It will help you move toward the things on which you should focus.
If someone sets a plate of deliciously baked goodies in front of you, just saying, “I’m not going to eat one,” won’t help. Instead, focus on what you should do: “I will eat the sliced veggie plate” instead. In the same way, you need to get your mind off what you’re not doing and on to what you should be doing.
Consider starting with one of these verses:
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- “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand”.” (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV).
- “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind [self-control].” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV).
- “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV).
- “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8 NKJV)
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The Godhead is involved in giving you power!
God’s Word is true. Put God’s truth into your mind, and it will set you free.
4. Make your decision in advance.
Make self-control a decision you choose to have in advance. “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13 NKJV). The time to put your armor on isn’t when the battle begins—it’s long before. Decide to make the correct choice before temptation strikes.
You’ll understand this idea if you’ve ever attempted to acquire a morning exercise routine. Each morning, when you get out of bed, your body will say, “You don’t need to exercise today. You don’t feel well. You stayed up late last night. You have things that must be done first. You’re busy. You find aches and pains you didn’t even know you had. That’s why you decide the night before to exercise that you will exercise in the morning.
Suggestion: Put your Bible by your coffee pot!!!
The same is true when you are struggling with self-control. Decide in advance to be disciplined. I like to call it Predetermined Dedication!
5. Recruit some assistance.
Having someone who can encourage and check up on you is essential. It isn’t always enjoyable to have accountability, but we need it. The Bible says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls…Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 NKJV).
You need encouragement to build personal discipline into your life. You need accountability just as much as your church, staff, or employees. Recruit another pastor or leader or a retired pastor or leader who will ask you tough questions and pray for you regularly. Everyone needs a study buddy and a prayer partner!
6. Keep your eyes on the future reward.
Hebrews 11:24-26 tells us Moses thought about the reward he would receive as he endured tough choices. He was second in command of one of the world’s wealthiest, most recognized empires in that day, yet he gave up much to follow God’s call on his life. Why was he able to do that? “By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” (Hebrews 11:24-26 NKJV).
Sin is fun for a short time. Whatever personal discipline you’re trying to develop, you’re either trying to stop doing something you find enjoyable or trying to do something you don’t find enjoyable. The best way to accomplish this is by focusing on the reward in the future.
You can learn to be more personally disciplined—no matter your personality style. By developing a more disciplined life, you’ll impact your life for years to come and the lives of the people you lead.
Some points adapted from an article by Dave Kraft and R. Warren
