There is no shortage of people seeking to learn how to develop self-discipline.   The problem is, that in their efforts to do so, most will start and then just give up and quit.

The excuses sound like:   “This is just me, deal with it.” “I’m okay with how I am.” “God made me this way.”  People accept and settle for things just the way they are, simply because it’s the easy thing to do.

Well if you are tired of fitting into that category, and instead find yourself asking questions like:

  • What is spiritual self-discipline?
  • How do I become self-disciplined?
  • How can I improve my self-discipline?

. . . then this post is for you!  It’s time to look at some self-discipline scriptures, and see how God has already empowered every Christian in this area.

self discipline1

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What is Self-Discipline?

Let’s start by taking a look at the basic definition of self-discipline, and it’s very close cousin, self-control. 

The Webster’s dictionary defines them as follows:

  • self–discipline:  the correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement
  • self-control:  restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions, or desires

Our society tends to associate self-discipline with athletes, celebrities, business owners, and the like.  This is because they achieve a level of success that typically cannot be reached without a high level of self-discipline.

But how do we develop self-discipline as normal everyday people who don’t fit into those categories?

What Does the Bible Say About Self-Discipline?

As Christians, we don’t have the luxury of having the attitude that our non-Christian counterparts do when it comes to a lack of self-discipline.  We can’t just say “this is how I am”, and move on.  In fact, because of what the bible says about self-discipline, we actually have no excuses.  

Self-Discipline Comes From God

In his letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul wrote:

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.  

2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

When we give our lives to God, His Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us, and we receive divine power and help from above to do things that we couldn’t do otherwise.  That includes self-discipline.

In fact, in Galatians we are provided with a list of fruits that we will begin to exhibit as Christians, as we grow in our relationship with God, including self control:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  

Galatians 5:22-23

As you can see, it is the Spirit of God within us, that gives us the ability to even practice true self-discipline and self-control.  This is why the bible says:

For with God nothing shall be impossible. 

Luke 1:37

Self-Discipline is a Learning Process

Although we have the Holy Spirit within us to help us develop self-discipline, it is still a learning process.  

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  (II Peter 1:3)

2 Peter 1:3

Through our knowledge of God (the bible), we have everything we need to live our Christian lives and be successful at it.  But, we must learn God’s Word to get the knowledge, and to even know what areas he has called us to be disciplined in.  

Paul said it best in his letter to the Philippians:

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 

Philippians 4:12-13

He learned the discipline of contentment by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Again, we can ONLY do these things by the strength that God gives us.

So often, I hear people ask ‘why is self-discipline so difficult’?  Self-discipline isn’t easy, but we make it way more difficult than it has to be because we exclude God from the process.  We sometimes have the mindset that we can make it on our own, and will only bring God in if things fail.  

The truth is, things tend to fail because we try to do them without God.  By doing this, we actually set ourselves up to fail, or at the very least, we set ourselves up to take the longer road to success.

How to Develop Self-Discipline in Any Area of Your Life

So we’ve got the power and strength of God within us to be self-disciplined, but how do we tap into that power and strength?  How do we develop this Christian self-discipline and apply it in real life?  

Set Your Goal(s) and Commit it to God

Regardless of what area(s) of your life you are planning to work on, there must be a goal in sight.  Here is another passage written by the Apostle Paul that expresses this all to well:

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.   Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,   I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  

Philippians 3:12-14

Apart from it being one of the best examples of self-discipline in the bible, what I love most about this passage is the fact that Paul wrote this letter to the Philippian church at a point in his life when he had already attained so much ministry wise.  

He had traveled the world preaching the gospel, established several churches, won thousands of souls to Christ, taught and developed many spiritual leaders, and even undergone several persecutions for the cause of Christ. Yet, his mindset at the time, was still to do more for God.  He wasn’t concerned about what he had already accomplished.  He was focused on what God still had left for him to do.  

He actually wrote the book of Philippians from a prison cell!  But, he didn’t quit or throw in the towel.  He was self-disciplined by the power of the Holy Spirit to continue his ministry even while in chains!  He knew God had a calling on his life, and his goal was to continue the work of that calling until his dying day, despite any opposition that would come his way.

Like Paul, we too are called to press toward a goal in our spiritual journey, and in other aspects of our lives.  In any pursuit of self-discipline, we must have a clear goal that drives us in times of struggle and opposition.  

It doesn’t matter if your goal is to work on your diet and lose weight, go back to school and get your degree, learn how to swim, build up your savings account, quit smoking, anger management, or to read through the bible in a year.  As Christians, we are called to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit within us for the self-discipline to stay the course.  

And when we commit our goals to God, that not only provides more motivation, but it helps to keep us focused as well.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

Colossians 3:23

Stop Procrastinating and Get Started

We’ve all heard the saying that ‘procrastination is the thief of time’, because time is the one thing we can never get back once its gone.  

words describing procrastination

Let’s look at a few scriptures on this subject:

  • All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.  Proverbs 14:23
  • Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.  Proverbs 27:1
  • As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. John 9:4
  • Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning.  Luke 12:35
  • Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Ephesians 5:15-16

Success has never come simply by talking about it.  We all have plans, goals, and dreams for ourselves.  But what separates those who are actually successful from those who aren’t, is their ability to turn those plans, goals and dreams into action. 

When it comes to spiritual goals, this is even more true.  It’s those times where you don’t want to go to church, don’t want to have devotions, don’t want to forgive, and don’t want to pray, that we need to be the most diligent.  When we push through in those instances, it gives us spiritual endurance – self-discipline.  And the more we stop procrastinating and keep moving forward to do the things God has called us to do, the benefits are endless!

Be Willing to Do the Necessary Work

Self-discipline requires work.  Hard work.  The one thing we all try to avoid at some point or another. 

God didn’t give us a pass on hard work.  He gave us His Holy Spirit to help us do the work so that it wouldn’t seem as hard.  We will face some of the same circumstances, challenges, and struggles that non-Christians do, but we will go through it differently because of God.

Our hard work doesn’t have to come with stress, anxiety, doubt, worry, fear and frustration.  Yes, we will work our butts off.  But, we can do it with hope, peace, joy, and strength, because God is with us.

Let’s look at another great example of true self-discipline written by Paul:

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.   Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.   No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

A self-disciplined Christian:

  • is never in the race just to be there;  they are always in it to compete for the goal or the prize
  • goes into strict training; they are tough on themselves
  • is ultimately always working for God; everything they do is done for His glory
  • beats his/her body into subjection; they don’t easily give in to temptations, or give up when things get tough

Eliminate and Avoid Distractions

In your journey to become more self-disciplined, it is essential to identify anything that may be a distraction or hindrance to your goal.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Hebrews 12:1

Once you identify what your distractions are, start by eliminating or at least avoiding the ones that you can.

If your goal is to lose weight, you may need to go into the kitchen and throw away the junk food.  If you’re distracted by the TV, you may need to unplug it for a while.   

If certain people or places are a distraction – avoid them!  You may need to temporarily block that friend who constantly texts you throughout the day.  Or, stop hanging out with your negative cousin.

Track Your Progress and Reward Yourself Accordingly

Because self-discipline is a part of our spiritual growth as Christians, it is a lifelong process as we seek to apply it to various areas of our lives.  It’s important to track our progress, and reward ourselves along the way.

Keep in mind, that the process will not be a smooth sailing one.  You will NOT hit your self-discipline goal(s) right away.  Its important that you don’t plan for perfection, but rather anticipate that you will inevitably stumble and fall off course at one point or another.

This doesn’t make you a failure.  It means you are human.  Even Paul fell short sometimes:

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.

Romans 7:15

You only fail if you quit and give up.  The key to overcoming a setback is to acknowledge it, get back up, lean on God and His Word, and keep pushing forward.

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  

Philippians 1:6

Take note of how God is working in your life.  Tracking your success is a huge motivational factor to keep you moving in the right direction.  It shows you what God has done and gets you excited to see what He is going to do next in your life!  

It’s important to celebrate success along the way and reward yourself accordingly!  There is nothing wrong with a cheat day every now and then, especially when you are moving in the right direction with your goals.  Go off your diet, have a drink, skip the gym, take a “mental health day” off from work, or do something you enjoy!

More Bible Verses About Self-Discipline

Lastly, I want to point out that self-discipline is not based on how you feel.  If you ask a thousand people what their biggest struggle is when it comes to self-discipline, the majority will say a lack of energy or motivation.  

The truth is, you may never feel like doing certain things, and you shouldn’t wait until you feel like it.  Self-discipline is doing what needs to be done, everyday, regardless of how you feel. 

We don’t skip brushing our teeth just because we don’t feel like doing it (or at least most of us don’t lol).  We are so disciplined to do it because it’s a part of our daily routine.  

Procrastination says work only if and when you feel like it.  Self-discipline says work especially when you don’t feel like it.  

The bible makes it even clearer in these two verses:

  • Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Romans 12:11-12
  • Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do no give up.  Galatians 6:9

Remember, because we are empowered from within by the Holy Spirit to be self-disciplined, we really have no good excuses for quitting or giving up.  And even when we feel like throwing in the towel, we are encouraged to keep our spiritual fervor by tapping into the power of God to push through and keep moving forward.

We CAN Be Self-Disciplined Christians!

Through the Holy Spirit, we have the power to exercise self-discipline in any aspect of our lives.  So lets stop making excuses, and letting society deceive us into thinking we cannot be self-disciplined as Christians.  

Anything in your life that is physically within in your means to do, that you want to work on, or get better at, set a goal to do it, and commit it to God.

Stop procrastinating, eliminate your distractions, and then put in the work!  Decide that no matter what, you will never give up, and will keep moving forward!

Ask God to help you exercise more self-discipline by the power of His Spirit.  And when you slip, stumble, or fall, it won’t change the fact that you CAN do it, through Christ who gives you strength.  It just means you have to keep relying on God along the way, and clinging to His Word for guidance.

Be Sure to Also Read:  

Encourage someone else today by sharing:

5 Essential Steps to Develop Self-Discipline as a Christian

39 Comments

  1. Great read ! Thank you for allowing shod to use your gifts to teach, I was really able to understand and receive this message. God bless you !

  2. I’ve been struggling with self discipline for years. I’ve been in and out of school, keep putting off my novel, and always find myself cleaning my house only when I can’t take the filth anymore. I’ve tried so many times to face life without God, and I failed every time. I recently got back into the church and could kick myself for the times I let myself fall short instead of coming to Him. This article is exactly what I needed to hear. This page is beautiful and I look forward to reading more. I will use this as reference whenever I don’t “feel” like writing my next chapter. When I don’t “feel” like having my daily Bible study. When I don’t “feel” like folding laundry, washing dishes, and vacuuming. Self discipline may come from within, but it is the Holy Spirit and God that we should seek to maintain it when we face our goals head on. God bless.

    1. Author

      I’m so glad this post was helpful for you Caitlin. I’ll be praying for your growth in the area of self-discipline as you seek God for help through His Spirit. God bless!

      1. God bless you for posting about this topic How to Discipline Yourself!” I have been looking for something like this and God has put in my heart to search anything that relates to discipline in life, health, spiritually and physically and that’s how I ended reading this post. I am interested in knowing more and probably writing an e-Book about it since we as Christians and in life we need to discipline ourselves and make good habits that will enrich our lives and commit to a daily Bible reading plan, praying, cleaning our house, manage our time at work, play and socially. If we focus on what we want to accomplish, write our goals and stick to them as much as possible we can self-control and ask God to help us, we will make a difference in the world! Thank you for being a life coach and may God keep using you in this manner!

  3. Hi Deme, I was trying to develop a talk on self discipline, but wasn’t happy with my talk outline. Then I stopped, prayed and asked the Lord to lead me to something that will inspire me and the sisters in my community. He led me to your article and when I read it I’m amazed and thought this is exactly what I’m looking for. I love it so much! I hope it’s ok with you if I share your article with my sisters in Christ at our forthcoming retreat. May our Lord bless you more. Thanks. Margarita

    1. Author

      I’m glad it was helpful for what you were looking for Margarita. And yes, of course, please share! God bless you sis.

    2. I truly thank you for the time you spent writing and allowing God to use your to help the world. Be rest assured you have helped me a lot. Because of that I will keep on praying for you. My main prayer for you is may God always communicate with you through the language you understand (let the holy spirit teach you God’s language) in Jesus Christ mighty name.

    3. Same here. I just felt stuck trying to write an article on self discipline and reading this just uplifted my spirit. I wrote beautifully. It gives me insight into what I should be focusing on. Hope I can copy some point from here?

      1. Author

        Glad the post was an encouragement to you Caroline, and yes, you can absolutely utilize points from here for your article. God bless!

  4. This was so good! Thank you for creating this!

  5. Thank you for this eye opening word

  6. I found this at the perfect time! My 2022 word of the year is self-discipline.

  7. Great post. thank you for this. It has been really eye opening as I’m starting my race of self-discipline. God bless

  8. I love this post. It is full of such practical truth. Thank you so much for writing it. Sunshine

  9. i am currently a first year Theology student, and I have to admit I am struggling with self discipline. For so long I have had a approach and mindset of “just get it done”. This article is a eye-opener for me. Thank you for your insight. I feel refreshed and touched.

    I wish you good health and happiness, Demetra Muingbeh.
    God bless.

  10. Thank you so much for this article – I would like to share this with my bible study group as we are actually talking about self control in September?
    I love the scriptures – we are indeed rooted in Christ

    1. Author

      Absolutely Margaretha! Share and be blessed! I’m glad to see the post could be used in a such a way that teaches and encourages others who are seeking God’s Word.

      1. This is Amazing! God Bless you Womaf God! Thank , Thank you and Yhank You! His Word give life and you did that today in the way you broke this beead. May Godever Bless and Keep You. You are an asset to the Body of Christ!

  11. Thank you for making this guidance available at this moment when I was guided to seek it. God is here…

  12. Hello Demetra! What a blessing to find this. I searched for self discipline and motivation with my spirit and soul, and your page showed up. In the past, when I ask the Holy Spirit to give me more of His self discipline when I need to clean and organize our home, I know He’s helping. Yet I fall off, get lazy and don’t ask. I appreciate your words and all the references to Gods word. He’s truly is the One who makes all the difference. I need to not stop calling out to Him. Thank you again. I am looking forward to more of your blog. May God bless you and keep you! 💕

    1. Author

      Thank you and Amen Marlo! I’m glad to hear you were encouraged by this post. We all need to work on continuously calling out to Him. May God give you strength in your pursuit of self discipline. My prayers are with you. God bless.

  13. I cannot begin to tell you how awesome it was to come across this! I have been praying for answers to different things for what seems like forever and they were all answered by this one foundational requirement: self-discipline. There is so much MEAT and SUBSTANCE in this that my friend/sister in Christ and I are doing a week long study/meditation on this. There is SO much value here that we could probably study this for over a month. Thank you! God is using you in wonderful ways! Thank you Lord Jesus, and AMEN! <3

    1. Author

      Wow Kimberly! I am so glad to hear that this post made such an impact on you. That is always my sincere goal and prayer when I write. Thanks so much for the feedback and for sharing how you will use this in your personal life. I will be praying for you and your friend as you study and meditate further. May God strengthen you in this area. Love in Christ!

  14. I’m also struggling with self-control and self-discipline but this article has shared light..thank you soo much🙌

    1. Author

      Khesed, I find that when we approach any topic in light of what Scripture says about it, that we can always find the hope, encouragement, and strength we need to do what we need to do for God. My prayers are with you!

  15. Woow thank God I bumped into this article. I need serious help with self discipline and this has helped me get enlightened on which areas to work on and the Scripture you used Oh My God they ministered deep into my soul such that I’m committing to self discipline. Thank you so much.

    1. Author

      That’s awesome Yolanda! God’s Word will do that to you lol. Glad to be a vessel to get this particular message out to you. I’ll be praying for you regarding your self-discipline journey.

  16. This is exactly what I was looking for, God bless you Demetra, Love from London!

  17. Super helpful! Thank you for sharing your study on self-disciple and how important it is to acknowledge that we can only achieve this with God and not by ourselves.

    1. Author

      Glad it was helpful! Including God in everything is the BEST way to success in any area of life. God bless you.

  18. Great article. I struggle with self Discipline at times and I want to overcome in that area. This article was a tremendous help and the scriptures used as a reference. I needed to read this article at 5 am 🙂

    1. Author

      Amen! Glad it could help Tracey. Praying for you in this area. With God you can and will overcome.

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