The need for discipline

This is the question that David Goggins, former Navy Seal and ultramarathoner, can be heard shouting at his audience as he films himself putting in the miles. It is a rallying cry, a challenge to his audience to pursue success by doing the hard things necessary. He is one of a number of figures who have emerged, in large part thanks to social media, with a message targeted at young men.

Whether it be Joe Rogan encouraging cold plunges, Jordan Peterson and his 12 rules for life, or Goggins and his feats of physical endurance, all of these men advocate a message united by one theme - discipline. They bemoan the lack of discipline that exists in a generation of young men, and encourage their audience to develop firm routines, exercise control over body and mind, and achieve purpose and success.

While I would not encourage readers to pay particular attention to these men, or the many other influencers and writers who target young men, the principle of discipline is worth our attention, as followers of Christ.

It is easy to become comfortable and complacent in relation to spiritual things. Scripture repeatedly warns against spiritual laziness, and encourages us to be disciplined. Without discipline, we cannot grow in godliness. It is crucial to our spiritual training as disciples.

Discipline over body and mind

Exercising discipline over our bodies and minds is not a new idea, and is not limited to reps in the gym or miles ran. The Bible clearly teaches us that we should bring both our bodies and minds under submission and exercise discipline in both what we do and what we think. The Lord Jesus called for us to take radical action; discipline cannot be half-hearted:

“And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire” (Matthew 18:8)

Sin is serious, and we have to be serious in the battle against it. We do not commit sinful actions unexpectedly or at random. In chapter 15 of Matthew, the Lord Jesus warned that all manner of sins begin in the heart. Our thoughts lead to actions.

The Apostle Paul regarded discipline of the mind as so important that it was one of his final messages to the church at Philippi:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Whether it be what we do with our bodies or what we occupy our minds with, let each of us resolve to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh…” (Romans 13:14).

Discipline over time 

If the world cannot succeed in leading us away by temptation, it may well succeed in leading us away by distraction. Never before has there been so many ways to amuse ourselves, and so many things which call for our attention. However, if we seek to grow in our faith and become men of God, we must “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness”.

It is vital that we set time aside each day to spend in the Scriptures and in God’s presence through prayer, like the godly man of Psalm 1: 

“…his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night”. 

The Lord Himself set us an example, taking time apart from others to spend in prayer:

“And after He had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by Himself to pray…”

Time spent alone with the Lord is crucial, but it is not the only element of disciplined discipleship. We must also be disciplined in ensuring we commit our time to the assembly and serving in our local church. Scripture regularly reminds us of the importance of coming together as a company of God’s people. The writer to the Hebrews says:

“And let us consider how to stir one another up to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” 

Whenever possible, we should make sure we are present at the gatherings of the Lord’s people. It will take discipline. It may require sacrifice, and missing out on other things. However, we will always get a blessing from spending time with other believers, whether it be for prayer, studying of the Scriptures, or worship.

Discipline is vital as young men if we seek to make progress in the things of God. Goggins challenges us to carry the boats. Scripture challenges us to something higher - to carry our cross. The Lord Jesus said:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23)

Denying ourselves will take discipline. Taking up our cross daily will take discipline. These things are not easy. In a world that seeks to distract us, tempt us, and draw us away from Christ and the things of God, may God give each of us grace to be disciplined.