Introduction
Self-discipline means the ability to control one’s feelings and overcome one’s weaknesses. Some synonyms of self discipline are: Self-Control, Self-Mastery, Self-restraint, Willpower, firmness, purposefulness, persistence, determination etc. In the Bible the word self-discipline is used interchangeably with self-control, a fruit of the spirit. In order to fulfill purpose you need to have self-discipline. I’m sure you have seen many quotes about self-discipline. But what the world fails to tell you is the real source of indiscipline and how to overcome it to then have self-discipline. In this post I will give biblical knowledge and practical advice on how to have self-discipline.
Fundamental knowledge of Self-Discipline:
- Humans have a Body, Soul and a Spirit
- The soul is the mediator between The body and the spirit.
- The soul consists of mind, willpower and emotions
- What the soul does depends on what you feed
- Do you feed your Body or your Spirit?
- If you feed your Soul with the sinful desires of your Body/flesh, your soul (mind, willpower and emotions) will be weak. This will be seen in bad habits, the sinful nature.
- But if you feed your Soul by strengthening your spirit Through spending time in the presence of God and doing his will. Your soul (mind, willpower and emotions) will be strong. This will also be seen in your habits, but you will have good habits. The fruits of the spirit will be seen through you.
This is perfectly explained in Galatians 5:16-26:
The result of spending time in the presence of God:
- 16: ’But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts].
The battle between your body and spirit:
- 17: For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do.
- 18: But if you are guided and led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the Law.
Bad habits:
- 19: Now the practices of the sinful nature are clearly evident: they are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality (total irresponsibility, lack of self-control),
- 20: idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions [that promote heresies],
- 21: envy, drunkenness, riotous behavior, and other things like these.
- 22: I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Good Habits:
- 23: But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
- 24: Against such things there is no law.
Repentance:
- 25: And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites. If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit].
- 26: We must not become conceited, challenging or provoking one another, envying one another.‘
- Galatians 5:16-26 AMP
The key to self- discipline is in this scripture:
- ’I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]‘
- Philippians 4:13 AMP
Practical Tips on How to have Self-discipline:
Step 1: Repentance
- Now that you know what the source and cause of indiscipline is. The first thing you need to do is a self-assessment of bad habits in your life. This may be different for everybody. But when you discover them, pray and repent from them. Ask God to forgive you for the bad habits of your sinful nature and to strengthen your spirit in order to have willpower to have self-discipline. When your spirit is strengthened you will inevitably do the will of God, have the fruits of the spirit and have self-discipline.
Step 2: Remove all the distractions
- When you have repented and asked God for strength, your next step should be removing all distractions. There are things that are threats to your self-discipline. Asses what they are and remove them. If you want to remain disciplined, you need to remove anything that causes you to go back to the state of indiscipline.
Step 3: Spending Time in The presence of God
- Spend time in the presence of God because you love him. There should be no ulterior motives. Go into his presence with humbleness and a genuineness. Just to be close to Him. Thanking him for all He has done for you. There is so much we can be thankful for. We can be in our most vulnerable state in the presence of God because we know he won’t Judge us. But show us compassion like a mother shows to her child. Have undivided quiet time with him in the first and the last part of your day. Set your mind on what you talked about in your quiet time during the day whenever you can. Spending time in the presence of God looks like: prayer, bible study, sermon, fellowship with other believers. Fun ways to spend time in the presence of God can also be Christian movies, Christian podcasts, Christian animation, Christian series etc. The presence of God is the best place on earth.
Step 4: Taking Action of Faith (Performance)
- By this point you will have the strength and willpower to do what has to be done. To show up no matter how you are feeling. Taking action of faith is doing whatever needs to be done to reach the purpose of God for your life. It means implementing the good habits you want in your life. And repeating them until they become part of you. If you follow all the steps above, Self-discipline will be inevitable. Your struggles with indiscipline will stop and you will be able to fulfill the purpose of God for your life.