Self-Discipline

One of the most difficult lessons a Christian can learn is how to discipline himself. The calmness which belongs to self-control is a sure mark of spiritual maturity and it is an especially attractive grace when found in a young person.

There is a fascinating account of Paul on trial before the Sanhedrin in Acts, chapter 23. In his opening words Paul states his belief that he has fulfilled his duty to God 'in all good conscience until this day'. We are told, 'At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near to Paul to strike him on the mouth'. Paul's response does not seem to vindicate his self-control because he turns to him and says, 'God will strike you, you whitewashed wall!'

This was a pre-trial hearing summoned to see if there was any case against Paul. If there was, the Sanhedrin would meet later as a properly constituted court. At this stage the apostle had not been officially charged, let alone tried and found guilty. But the presiding official seeks to humiliate and intimidate Paul as soon as he begins his defence. That man was indeed a hypocrite and for Paul to call him a 'whitewashed wall' was a fair evaluation.

What impresses us about Paul is his instantaneous submission to the Word of God when he is made aware that the speaker who had ordered him to be struck is the high priest. He takes a grip on his feelings of injustice and pain, saying, 'Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: "Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people".'

Paul's self-mastery, under pressure, shows us the truth of his testimony, 'I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize' (1 Corinthians 9:27). Paul had well-defined goals that he constantly kept before him, and a wise manner of life that made those aims attainable. It was these that he pressed towards day after day.

A Roman Caesar had a slave whose constant duty was to whisper in his monarch's ear, 'You are human'. Christians have a constant testimony from the Holy Spirit saying, 'You are not your own, you are bought with a price'. The fruit of the Spirit is self-control, and his indwelling power enables the humblest Christian to master his feelings even under high provocation, as Paul himself displays.

The Development of Self-Discipline⤒🔗

How can this grace be developed? It is not instantly picked up in conversion. Paul was not a driving impulsive personality before the Damascus road and a totally self-controlled individual afterwards. Neither did he pick it up in spiritual ecstasy — would that that were so! Paul learned it in his life with God. He saw that this was a divine requirement and that by the Holy Spirit he could control his life, and so daily he learned to master his temperament as part of the living sacrifice which he presented to God as his reasonable service.

How can you Learn to Develop Self-Discipline in your Life?←↰⤒🔗

Find a time each day when you are at your most alert and then read a portion of Scripture and think about it and pray. Make sure that that becomes as much your daily routine as brushing your teeth or dressing.
Always be present at the stated meetings of your congregation. It might seem a small thing to you to be sitting in your place in the Prayer Meeting or at the Sunday services, but it is in these areas of our lives that we are most often tested.
If you have sinned, immediately confess it. Keep short accounts with God. Do not go for days carrying the guilt of unconfessed sin. If you have sinned against another then apologize to that person. Do not go to bed angry.
Be faithful in all ordinary human duties. Start with your room. Clean it, then keep it clean. When something is out of place, train yourself to put it where it belongs. Then extend that discipline of neatness to the rest of your home.
Be on time. That may not sound very spiritual, but it is important. If you are supposed to be somewhere at a specific time, be there at that time. Develop the ability to discipline your desires, activities, and demands so that you can arrive as you have promised.
Do the hardest job first. Doing that will prevent the most difficult jobs being left undone.
Organize your life. Plan the use of your hours. Do not simply react to circumstances. Use lists and calendars to accomplish your duties. If you do not control your time everything else will!
Accept Correction. Correction helps make you more disciplined because it shows you what you need to avoid. Do not reject evaluation; accept it in a spirit of meekness. The meek, alone, shall inherit the earth.
Practise mortification. Put to death your lusts and sinful passions. Starve them of any tit-bits that would keep them alive. Pluck out the right eye, that is, do not look at those things which encourage evil desires. Cut off the right foot, that is, do not go to places which feed your vices.
Welcome responsibility. When you are asked to fulfil some Christian duty then trust in the all-sufficiency of the Lord to take you safely through that task. It is often an insult to the fulness of Christ's grace to refuse a request for service.