Dear Brothers

Discipline. Even the word itself can feel heavy. It might stir up images of long, grueling efforts, rigid rules, or the constant fight against failure. But what if we saw discipline differently? What if, instead of something to dread, we recognized it as a pathway to freedom - the key to living a life that honors God, fulfills our purpose, and brings real joy? 

Here’s a truth that has changed the way I think about discipline: it’s not about restriction; it’s about direction. Discipline is how we point our lives toward what truly matters, instead of drifting aimlessly or being swept away by the pressures and temptations of the world. 

C.S. Lewis is attributed as saying, “Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.” That’s the heart of discipline - a daily reliance on God that shapes us, little by little, into the men he created us to be. 

Let’s take a closer look at how discipline is more than just hard work. It’s the foundation of a life lived with purpose, joy, and God’s glory at the center.

The Foundation of Discipline 

If you’ve ever worked out or trained for something physically demanding, you know that success doesn’t come overnight. It takes consistency, effort, and focus. Paul makes this connection when he writes in 1 Timothy 4:7-8: “Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 

When Paul talks about “training,” he’s not just giving us a metaphor; he’s calling us to a real, intentional effort in our spiritual lives. Godliness - reflecting God’s character and living for his purposes - doesn’t just happen by accident. It grows in the soil of discipline, watered by God’s grace. 

Think about it this way: God has already given us everything we need to grow in Christ. His Word is alive and active, his Spirit is at work in us, and his grace is sufficient. But our role is to cultivate those gifts - to work alongside him through intentional habits that align our lives with his will. 

John Wesley called this “working out our salvation.” He didn’t mean earning God’s love; he meant responding to God’s grace by creating patterns of prayer, study, and service that keep us connected to him. “God does nothing but in answer to prayer,” Wesley wrote. Discipline is our way of answering God’s call to grow deeper in faith and obedience. 

Why Men Need Discipline 

Let’s be honest: discipline doesn’t come naturally for most of us. In a world that prizes convenience and instant gratification, it’s easier to choose what feels good in the moment than what will bear fruit in the long run. 

But Proverbs 25:28 warns us, “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” Without discipline, we’re vulnerable - open to the attacks of temptation, distraction, and sin. Discipline builds those walls, protecting what matters most: our faith, our relationships, and our purpose. 

At the same time, discipline is not about striving for perfection. It’s about aiming for consistency. Marcus Aurelius, the Roman philosopher-Emperor whose writings have long influenced many, put it like this: “You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” While our circumstances may be out of our control, we can choose to submit our thoughts and actions to Christ daily. And best of all, we have something that Stoics don’t – the power of Christ dwelling and moving in us and through us. 

And when we do submit our thoughts and actions to Christ, something remarkable happens. Discipline frees us from the chaos of reaction and gives us the stability to live with purpose. It’s not about rigid rules; it’s about learning to live fully in the freedom Christ offers. 

Reflection Questions 

1.      What areas of your life feel chaotic or out of control right now? How might discipline help bring clarity and purpose? 

2.      Do you see discipline as a burden or a blessing? Why? 

3.      How does your daily routine reflect (or not reflect) your priorities as a follower of Christ? 

4.      Are there specific habits or distractions you need to let go of to make room for growth? 

5.      Who can you turn to for encouragement and accountability in my pursuit of godliness? 

Action Steps

Brothers, change doesn’t happen overnight. But the good news is that it doesn’t have to. Discipline starts with small, consistent steps. Here are three to get you started this week: 

1.      Spend at least 15 minutes in prayer and Scripture reading before the demands of the day take over. Start with a passage like 1 Timothy 4:7-8 and ask God to guide your efforts to grow in discipline. 

2.      Choose one area where you’d like to grow—whether it’s committing to regular exercise, eliminating distractions during family time, or creating a plan for daily Bible reading. Focus on small, measurable changes. 

3.      Growth is always better in community. Reach out to a trusted friend, mentor, or pastor and invite them to walk with you in your journey toward discipline. Share your goals, pray together, and check in regularly. 

Closing Thoughts 

Brothers, discipline is not the enemy of joy; it is its companion. It’s what allows us to live fully, freely, and faithfully as the men God created us to be. As Hebrews 12:11 reminds us, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” 

Start today. Take one small step toward godliness, trusting that God’s Spirit will strengthen and sustain you along the way. And know this: you are not alone. 

Your brother in Christ,
Dale

For more encouragement and tools to help you grow, visit Walking Points. Keep pressing on, brothers. God has great things in store for you.