Why Personal Discipline Matters

On February 19th 2010, the world’s most successful golfer stood on a podium to read the most difficult statement of his life. In the room was a handful of friends and members of the media.

“I was unfaithful. I had affairs. I cheated. I knew my actions were wrong. But I convinced myself that normal rules didn’t apply. I ran straight through the boundaries that a married couple should live by. The same boundaries that apply to everyone apply to me.”

Tiger Woods

The boundaries apply to you too

Woods may have moved on with his personal life since then but the downward trend in his career was seismic. He wasn’t quite the same again.

By his own admission, he failed to exercise personal discipline. He ignored the boundaries of morality and paid a huge price. Don’t ignore yours; they apply to you too.

Personal indiscipline is often the achilles heels that undo many; the failure to conquer self gratification and develop (and sustain) a healthy, Christ-centred routine.

From poor life management to bad judgements, the failure to master self can easily derail destiny. It’s a daily, constant and an inevitable battle, but a necessary one. Here’s why.

Personal discipline is God’s will

The God-intended life is one that harnesses the grace that God avails us to make a conscious stand against ungodliness and live the Spirit-controlled life — Titus 2:11-12, Galatians 5:22-23.

Whether it’s immoral judgments (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, Proverbs 6:23-29, Job 31:1) or an unhealthy pursuit of wealth (Proverbs 13:11), uncontrolled appetite (Proverbs 23:1-3), fist of anger (Proverbs 16:32, 14:29), the Bible is clear we must exercise restraint.

Personal discipline is God’s will. Period.

It determines the trajectory of your personal growth

Personal discipline will take you to heights talent or anointing can’t. You may attain some measure of success by your network, training or skill but only personal discipline will keep you there.

The trajectory of your personal growth and progress in life depends on how much you discipline yourself — Proverbs 13:4, 18:9. 

Eternal consequence is at stake

So much grace is lost for lack of personal discipline. Samson lost his ministry. Judas lost his apostolic office (Acts 1:20), life and salvation. Demas left his calling — 2 Timothy 4:10.

Your final salvation hinges on it. Decisions determine destiny. Personal discipline regulates decisions. Be willing to pummel your body and make it a slave — 1 Corinthians 9:27. 

May you have grace each day to grow in personal discipline. May you look to Christ each day for supernatural help to make judgements that honour Him.

Personal discipline matters and by divine grace, may you develop and grow in it — 2 Peter 3:18.

Photo credit by Ben White on Unsplash.