The majority of us, at some point would say if I knew then what I know now....... The middle-aged and the elderly ones can relate to this statement. A man was once asked 'What would he change or improve in his life if given the chance?' he responded by saying that he would prioritize discipline. He expressed regret over past mistakes that could have been avoided had he possessed the wisdom he now has. Life often revolves around immediate concerns such as food, clothing, shelter and daily sustenance. This aspect takes precedence, and it is natural for everyone to prioritize them. However, life also presents choices between rights and wrong, truth and lies, good and bad. These choices are not exclusive to a particular age group or gender, but are inherent in one's character and makeup. Albeit, young individuals may be perceived as vulnerable, and the decisions they make, do not exempt them from life challenges. Every poor decision we make in our life leaves a mark either physically or mentally and contributes to learning and growth ultimately.
Spiritual growth is largely determined by our progress in self-discipline. Without self-discipline, there can be no advancement in spiritual and physical growth. Before other disciplines can be administered, whether in the home, workplace, business, our church, there first must be self-discipline. If self-discipline is profoundly missing in a parent, what would they pass to their offspring? Unfortunately, self-discipline is not a popular subject today at any level in our society. Any insistence upon self-discipline is largely resisted, even among Christians. They cry, defending their rights of Christian liberty; there can be a mix of worldliness and godliness, after all we have to be all things for all men. Hmmm, it's okay.
Sometimes believers abuse their freedom in Christ that they lose spiritual discipline; we swing the pendulum so drastically towards Christian liberty that our spiritual lives are out of balance. If there is no self-discipline, there can be no discipleship. If we do not discipline ourselves, God would discipline us Hebrew 12:5-11
Definitions:
Self-control:
Is the ability to regulate one's emotions, impulses and behaviour in the moment (manage immediate reactions). It's about making conscious choices to override immediate desires or temptations in favour of a desired outcome. For example, resisting the urge to eat a second piece of cake, or stopping yourself from yelling.
Self-discipline:
The word "discipline" is from the Latin word "disciplina", meaning instruction and training, to learn and adhere to a set standard.
Discipline is the act of studying, learning and adhering to his set standard. Disciple means a learner or follower. Self-discipline is a more enduring traits that involves consistently walking towards one's goals even when you don't feel like it. It's about building or developing habits, staying focused and persevering through difficulties. Basically, self-control is a short-term strategy for managing impulses whilst self-discipline is a broader, long-term approach to achieving goals. Self-control is a component of self-discipline. So self-control is needed to exercise self-discipline.
In the New Testament, we find the word "discipline" used in two different senses;
- We read of God disciplining his children. In that sense, the word "discipline" means chastisement or spanking (Heb.12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.)
- The Bible speaks about Christians disciplining themselves. In this sense, the word "discipline" refers to the believer forming godly habit pattern (1Tim 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.)
So, self-discipline means putting oneself through rigorous spiritual training. It means exercising power over one's self, or gaining mastery over one's inner desires, thoughts, actions and words.
How many of us have ever joined the gym or started an exercise routine of some kind? It becomes interesting and fun to begin but right along day 4 or 5, it's not fun anymore! It's not easy. You start skipping your gym lessons. Discipline is making yourself stick with the training regime even when you don't want to. Disciplining ourselves in the Christian life is just like that. It won't be easy, fun or convenient, but it will be profitable.
Case study: Jacob & Esau
Genesis 25:27-34
Esau was the firstborn son of Isaac and Rebecca, and as the firstborn, he was entitled to his father's blessings. His future was looking very bright until one day when he went to the field to hunt for meat. He returned home hungry and met his brother, Jacob cooking. Esau allowed hunger to becloud his sense of reasoning and accepted Jacob's offer to trade his birthright for a plate of food, as we see in Gen 25:27-34.
He lacked self-control and self-discipline. He was driven by immediate hunger, prioritised a temporary physical need over the significant spiritual and family inheritance represented by the birthright. Esau and Jacob knew quite well that birthright was a special honour given to the firstborn son. It included a double portion of the family inheritance along with the honour of one day becoming the family leader. Esau, as the oldest son, had the option to sell his birthright or give it away if he chose to do so. He knew what would be the consequences. He also knew he would be losing both material goods and his leadership position if he chose to give it away. So it is not as if he was uninformed of the benefits or consequences to assume that he was being tricked. Esau had other options as well. He could have gone straight to his mother Rebecca and ask for food. If he really wanted to eat, he could have made food for himself and just wait for 1-2 hours more. See verse 32 "and Esau said, behold I am at the point to die; and what profit shall this birthright do to me"? Would he have died? Would hunger have killed him for 24 hours? The answer is No!!
Studies of hunger strikes show that individuals can survive for a significant period of days without food. In fact, a common 'rule of 3' on survival talks that an individual can survive; 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water and 3 weeks without food. This is a rough estimate and varies greatly based on certain factors such as body fat (higher body fat percentages portends a longer survival time due to the body's ability to utilise stored fat for energy), age, overall health status etc. Hence he was not going to die. It was an exaggeration, he acted on impulse. He lacked self-control, thus satisfying his immediate desire without thinking of the consequences. Simply put, he lacked self-discipline!!
Can we judge him? How many of us are just like him? How many of us fall into similar situations every time we see something we like and we won't stop until we get it despite the long term consequences it may have? The birthright he carelessly sold was tied to the blessings that was waiting for him in the future. Wisdom says do not eat your future today.
Ephesians 5:15-17.
To walk circumspectly is to walk in wisdom. It is to allow God's wisdom to fill our hearts so we can have a deep understanding of what God's will is and do it. Proverb 4:7 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding; Eccl.10:10.
So, what is the will of God? That takes us to the next discussion - sound mind.