Why do we need self-discipline?

Nothing is achieved without self-discipline. Successful athletes, people in business, and God's servants achieved their goals through self-discipline. 

We all want success, but only some people want to undergo the process. We all want wisdom, but only some want to be teachable or disciplined.

Discipline  or training is about facing obstacles and challenges that will help us refine our character and attain our goals.

Self-discipline is similar to self-control, a fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is one of those winning characters we must have to succeed.

Jesus is the perfect example

Jesus Christ achieved His purpose here on earth because of His self-discipline.

He is the perfect example of having the kind of self-control we need. 

In the morning, He was disciplined to wake up early and spend time with the Father. He disciplines His mouth not to speak curses toward sinners.

Additionally, Jesus is self-disciplined to pursue God’s will and commands in everything He says and does. With His discipline, He could resist temptations from Satan even in the wilderness.

That habit made Him successful. Thus, we need to have the self-discipline to become like Christ.

Why do we need self-discipline

Hebrews 12:5-6 says, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves and punishes each one, he accepts as his child.”

God wants us to be disciplined because He loves us. He wanted us to succeed, and sometimes a lack of self-discipline is one reason we fail to fulfill our purpose.

Here are some reasons why we need to have self-discipline if we wanted to succeed in our goals, whether in our spiritual or physical needs here on earth. 

To please God

It takes discipline for us to please the Lord. Plus, the primary purpose of our existence is to glorify our Heavenly Father, and we cannot win God’s favor without having self-control.

For instance, Daniel showed the kind of discipline that pleases God. 

Despite the temptation to eat the king's food, he chose to eat vegetables and water to rely on God’s strength. 

Daniel 1:8 says that he was determined not to eat the food and wine of the king. He wanted to prove that God was more significant than the king. 

For 10 days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the other young men. 

More importantly, God is so pleased with Daniel and his three friends that He gave them unusual understanding and wisdom. 

He gave Daniel the unique ability to interpret the meaning of dreams and visions. (Daniel 1:17)

To become like Christ

Self-discipline is one of the most essential tools if we want to be like Jesus Christ. This takes control to manage our temper when we are angry. 

Also, it takes discipline to love manipulative or self-righteous people.

Self-control is an indispensable attribute in our Christian lives. 

Without having the discipline to follow God’s command, it will be impossible for us to imitate Christ in our way of thinking and attitude toward people and circumstances.

To be more productive

Self-discipline gives us the focus to do what we have to do. It allows us to make everything we do effective and fruitful. 

It is essential to getting a high-quality result, whether you are doing something for the Lord or your work. 

For example, those who want to become good at leading worship or playing musical instruments in the church need discipline or training to become better and more effective.

The Lord promotes His children who are determined to do their best and be at their best. 

God rewards you if you concentrate on improving your skills for the Lord. The same applies to your job; you will eventually be promoted if you focused on doing your tasks effectively instead of scrolling through your social media accounts.

To keep you from danger

People who do not have self-control or discipline over everything are on their way to distraction. 

Those who could not control their mouths put themselves in danger. This destroys their relationships with other people. 

Moreover, people who cannot control their vices end up harming others. The same applies to resisting temptations; we will be defeated without self-discipline.

As for Christians, the Bible is clear that we must not conform to the pattern of this world. (Romans 12:1-2) This pattern will lead us to eternal death and punishment. 

Thus, it takes self-discipline to resist this pattern that we are used to. 

To manage your time wisely

No one knows how long their life will be here on earth. Based on research, the average life span of humans is 28,000 days, which means 80 years. 

If we did not have self-discipline, we may think that time is our enemy, yet those who can manage their time wisely could have a perfect relationship with time. 

Some people think that 24 hours in seven days is insufficient for them to accomplish their tasks. 

However, if we evaluate how we use our time, we can see that we procrastinate more than scroll through our social media accounts. Then, they cram if their deadline is near.

Additionally, the majority of successful people wake up early. Even Jesus Christ wakes up early because you can accomplish more tasks in the morning. 

Thus, we need self-discipline to be in control of our time.

To be a good steward

Do you long to hear God say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” with the resources He has given?

Then we need self-discipline to become good stewards of our resources. Money is not evil, though it is the root of all evil. 

Yet, if we knew how to control it instead of allowing money to control us, God could give us more.

King Solomon did not ask for wealth but wisdom, including knowledge of how to manage God’s blessings and people. 

More so, the two servants in the parable of the talents were able to double their master’s money because they were disciplined to make it fruitful. (Matthew 25:14-30)

Thus, God tests our ability to control small things so He can trust us with more incredible things. 

More importantly, we need self-discipline to use God-given wisdom to prepare for emergencies and uncertainties. Those who are disciplined to save could be saved when crises arise.

To reduce worries and stress

Self-discipline allows you to follow your plans to attain your career, family, personal, or spiritual goals. 

Since you focus more on finishing all tasks effectively, it could lessen your worries and stress.

Additionally, it helps you keep yourself from overthinking since you have a clear direction for what to do and what not to do.

Besides, it can help you protect yourself from being affected by the opinions of others. Self-control allows you to filter out the things that could be helpful for your growth.

To help you endure

Trials produce endurance, and without self-discipline, it would be easy for us to give up amidst challenges. 

It is a skill to help us get back on our feet whenever we fail and continue fighting to achieve what we want. 

Plus, perseverance is crucial for success, and it requires self-control.

Self-discipline is not an overnight skill

Just like success, nothing is produced overnight. This will always take small steps to acquire something, including self-discipline. 

Remember that we are not always motivated to do everything, but self-discipline helps us rise and do our tasks.

As Jesus Christ said, we will have troubles in this world, but we must take heart. Self-control over everything will help us find courage as we face struggles in life.