Greater RewardSample

What Is Discipline, and Why Does It Matter? 

When you hear the word “discipline,” what immediate thoughts and feelings pop up? Maybe it’s guilt—because you don’t view yourself as a disciplined person, but you’d like to be. Maybe it’s fear—because you’re imagining the kind of discipline you get when you make a mistake and face consequences. Or maybe it’s dread—because you want to be disciplined but know that it will require hard work. 

Here’s the thing: Most of us want the product of discipline without the pain of discipline. But as much as we might like it, we can’t have the rewards without the process. 

There’s hope, though. 

Discipline comes from God and brings glory to Him. In fact, these two verses remind us that discipline and self-control aren’t something we self-manufacture but something we can rely on the Spirit to provide: 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT 

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. … Galatians 5:22-23 NLT 

The Greek word for self-control in Galatians 5:23 is egkrateia, which means “temperance: the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites.” With God’s help, we can master our minds and choose what we want most over what we want in the moment. And that’s discipline. 

Pastor Craig Groeschel says it like this: “The decisions you make today determine the stories you tell tomorrow.” 

Discipline is a decision—a decision to invite the Holy Spirit to change our desires and to decide to do what’s best over what’s easiest. 

And there’s no sugarcoating it—discipline isn’t always easy. But it’s always worth it. It’s not some elusive ideal that’s exclusive to an elite group of Jesus followers. Discipline is available to all of us, and it’s like a muscle. It gets easier the more you work at it. At first, it may feel overwhelming. But don’t give up—though discipline may be painful, it’s accomplishing a purpose.

In fact, just look at what Scripture says about the results of discipline: 

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 NIV 

Discipline produces a harvest—and you don’t yield crops without consistency over time. So over the next few days, we’ll talk about how to cultivate discipline in every area of our lives. And if you’re still a little overwhelmed, that’s okay. Ask God for help filling you with more of His power, love, and self-discipline. 

Challenge: The decisions we make today shape the stories we tell tomorrow. How do you currently feel about the story you’re telling? If you’re not pleased with it, what’s one thing you can start doing to change it?