Got Discipline?
Discipline!
The root meaning of discipline is ‘to teach’. It is training that corrects, shapes or perfects the physical and mental faculties and moral character. It is learning through being taught. The word ‘Discipline’ comes from ‘discipulus’, the Latin word for pupil, which means to be taught by a tutor or instructor.
In Hebrew, the word for discipline is ‘mussar’ -- correction intended to impart moral discipline and character development. Hebrew discipline centers on right conduct and fulfilling one's duty, with a strong emphasis on obedience to God's laws.
While discipline is imposed externally, self-discipline is self-imposed internally. External discipline is stimulated by the threat of punishment, fear, danger or force. Self-discipline is stimulated by being strict with oneself, to control one’s own actions, thoughts, and emotions for the sake of improvement. For example, a person who learns something out of school, music lesson or sports is self-disciplined.
Discipline is a source of freedom (Galatians 5:1). In the Bible, discipline is compared to a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). A sound mind seeks discipline of the ‘whole person’ –in thought, emotion and desires. The discipline of ‘study’ brings transformation of the mind through learning, understanding and processing inwardly (Romans 12:2). The mind is sound only when it is applied to those things that have potential to transform – whatever is true, right, good, unadulterated and pleasant (Philippians 4:8).
“While discipline is imposed externally, self-discipline is self-imposed internally. Discipline is a source of freedom (Galatians 5:1). In the Bible, discipline is compared to a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). A sound mind seeks discipline of the ‘whole person’ –in thought, emotion and desires.”
The discipline of emotion is crucial for the formation of character-- a lifelong process of learning and self-improvement. Without character, knowledge of the mind can be misused-- like loving the right things. To be well-rounded, one needs discipline of the mind and emotion (2 Peter 1: 5-7). Emotions are to be managed and understood, rather than being allowed to dictate behavior. It is not the discipline from emotion, but through it -- the ability to manage one's emotions to engage in healthy relationships. Not having this discipline can lead to anxiety, delusion, fear and burnout.
Discipline of bodily desires is to train one's body to achieve desired physical and mental well being (Hebrews 12:11). For example, healthy habits, regular exercise, controlled diet and other athletic training focus on delayed gratification and self-control for positive outcomes. In the Bible, Solomon’s desire for women led to his downfall (1Kings 11:1-10). The Old Testament compares a person who lacks discipline to a ‘leaky vessel’ or ‘broken cistern’. A cistern is reservoir for storing water. If it is broken, it becomes useless and is abandoned. ‘Broken Cisterns’ is a metaphor used to describe people turning away from God to worthless sources for their sustenance.
Discipline is Contagious!
The good news is that discipline is contagious. Starting discipline in one area of life spreads to other areas of one’s life. Physical discipline is often the starting point for developing other forms of discipline of the mind and emotions. For example, to work out daily, one has to go to bed early, cut out certain habits, and control the diet (Proverbs 13:18, Galatians 5:22).
Here are some actionable ideas for Discipline:
Focus on one thing you want to accomplish.
Evaluate why you want to accomplish this.
Prioritize your tasks based on your values.
Be consistent.
Remove all distractions.
Measure your progress.
Stay accountable.
How to get Discipline?
No one is born with the skill to be disciplined. Every disciplined person starts with a desire to change. Discipline works better when it can be measured. What is measured gets managed.
Here are some approaches to cultivate discipline.
Focus on starting and committing to one discipline
Tiny corrections could end up making a large impact (Zachariah 4:10). Start a small discipline and do it consistently every day – like meditating on a word (such as discipline, order) or verse in the Bible, writing, reading or exercising every day. In addition to being small, it must be achievable. We must act.
Maintain Self-Control
Self-control seeks personal improvement instead of instant gratification. It is the ability to manage one’s impulses, emotions and behavior to achieve desired outcomes. For example, the ability to say ‘no’ to distractions or unchecked desires. Losing self-control leaves one helpless as a city without a wall (Proverbs 25:28). Basically, anything can come through your thoughts, control your actions, create your habits and shape your character.
“Comforts set us up for defeat. It is important to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. More often, physical self-discipline is the first step for developing all other forms of discipline. For example, replace time that is spent on endless scrolling on the phone and computer with some time for physical exercise and healthy cooking.”
Get out of your Comfort Zone
Comforts set us up for defeat. It is important to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. More often, physical self-discipline is the first step for developing all other forms of discipline. For example, replace time that is spent on endless scrolling on the phone and computer with some time for physical exercise and healthy cooking.
Embrace Discipline
Eric Liddell demonstrated discipline. He was known for his rigorous training and dedication to running, but he also displayed spiritual discipline, including daily Bible reading, study, and reflection. He refused to run in the 100-meter race at the 1924 Olympics because it was scheduled on a Sunday –believed in the sanctity of the sabbath for worship and rest, not athletic competition. As a result, he focused on the 400-meter race, winning gold and setting a world record. This decision, and his subsequent decision to become a missionary in China, shows he prioritized faith over personal glory. He is the subject of the Oscar-winning 1981 film ‘Chariots of Fire’.
In closing, discipline frees us to experience freedom in mind, emotion and desire. To “run with endurance the race that is set before us”, we need discipline (Hebrews 12:1, 7-10). While no discipline is enjoyable while it is happening (it is painful), it is ultimately useful for growth and character (Hebrews 12:11).