God's Design for MenSample

Disciplined Men

Anytime the Olympics are on, we watch and marvel at the stunning expertise we get to witness.

These athletes are the best in the world at what they do and can do things that the rest of us couldn’t come close to accomplishing.

And whatever the sport, the announcers often say things about the winners, like, “All those years, all that hard work, have finally paid off!”

This is one of the things we admire most about Olympians—yes, they’re winners, but we know it took a tremendous amount of discipline behind the scenes to get there. Saying yes to early mornings, no to delicious but unhealthy food, yes to endless workouts, no to social outings—these impressive specimens have shown tremendous self-control, and we applaud them for it.

Today’s verse warns of what happens when self-control is absent—how it opens us up to all kinds of trouble. Self-control (or the lack thereof) affects literally every part of a man’s life: his words, his actions, his choices, his health, his relationships, his work, his money, his friendships—it’s hard to imagine a single area where self-control doesn’t help a man, and lack of it doesn’t hurt.

When we walk in it, we are in control, saying “yes” to good things and “no” to bad things, making the right choices, keeping ourselves in check, being aware of our faults, and leaning into our strengths.

A man of self-discipline stays on top of things, works hard, and gets things done. He makes no excuses, and usually doesn’t need to, because he’s just generally on the ball.

Jesus, the perfect Man, models a life of perfect self-discipline: always choosing good and avoiding evil, firmly controlling His words and actions, His emotions in check, and His behavior on lock. Even His angry moments are measured and calculated, never “off the handle.” He shows us what it means to be a man under control.

Men are at their best when they exercise self-discipline in every part of life and improve in their ability to stay on top of things and get things done.

God’s design for men is that we live fully and faithfully in the wide range of human experience—but under control. With restraint, we keep things in check and live out our faithfulness to God and others.

Prayer: Father, help me keep myself under control so that I can show the world what a man of discipline looks like. Help me follow Jesus' example and make good choices with eternity in mind. Amen.

Reflection: What is your strongest area of self-discipline in life? What is an area that needs some work? Take one step towards greater self-discipline in that area today!