Discipline is not a very pleasant thought to most people. It conjures up images of work, sweat, discomfort, and even pain. Yet the Bible repeatedly describes the Christian life as one of discipline. Jesus called his followers “disciples.” Paul spoke of training, competing, and fighting in his descriptions of the Christian life. So it should be no surprise that discipline plays a major role in the life of a believer.

Modern believers often desire the benefits of Christianity, but avoid the work needed to gain those benefits. They want to know biblical truth without taking the time to read the Bible. They want the strength to withstand temptation, but are unwilling to spend time in prayer and memorization of Scripture. They want to see souls saved, but are too busy to talk with their neighbors about the Lord. They want a vibrant, meaningful relationship with God, but don’t meet with Him on a regular basis. Such unwillingness to engage in spiritual disciplines results in believers who are weak, ignorant, and apathetic.

Discipline is self-control. It’s the commitment to force yourself to do the right thing, the best thing, and the proper thing. It’s not taking the easy road when the hard road is the better way. It’s dedication to duty, and the result of a desire to live an honorable and meaningful Christian life.

2 Tim 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

The original word for “sound mind” in this verse (σωφρονισμός) means “moderation, self-control.” Many versions of the Bible translate it as “discipline.” Someone described it as a well-regulated life. The Christian life is or should be well-regulated, moderate, disciplined, and self-controlled.

What is the standard/basis for this regulation and discipline? Of course, it’s the word of God. The Bible is the foundation for Christian disciplines. That is, we regulate our lives according to biblical expectations and principles.

If the Bible is not the standard of self-regulation, what is? If we are not following the Bible, then the basis for life becomes feeling, emotions, impulses, pressures, or traditions. Many people simply refuse to self-regulate. Living that way leads to chaos and sin. But regulating our lives on the basis of the Bible results in stability, strength, and spiritual maturity.

Christians must retain a strong commitment to participation in the spiritual disciplines that are necessary for stability and growth. Without such disciplines, Christian maturity is virtually impossible.