I recently heard someone quote a coach with the following statement: “Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.” What a powerful statement. This coach emphasizes what is true about discipline: Discipline is about making choices. When considering your growth in Christ, this is especially true.
Let’s begin by reflecting on what discipline means for those of us who follow Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9:27, says, “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” Paul understood that discipline is not merely a physical act but also a spiritual act of worship as well — a deliberate choice to align our desires with God’s will. How often do we face the temptation to indulge in what we want now — perhaps to skip church just this week, an extra hour of sleep, a mindless scroll through social media, or even a grumbling spirit — rather than pursuing what we want most: a deeper relationship with Christ where we live life with a God-honoring, Christ-exalting purpose and the joy of obedience?
Understanding Discipline
Discipline emphasizes direction more than it does deprivation. Many times we think of what we have to give up in life when we think of living it as a disciplined person. But, in reality, our idea of discipline should be much greater. It is about the path as much as it is the individual step. Consider what Solomon urges us to do: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths” (Prov 3:5-6). When we choose what we want most — God’s glory, His righteousness, and His plan for our lives — we allow Him to direct our paths, even when the immediate gratification of “now” feels so alluring. It’s a daily decision to prioritize the eternal over the temporary, to seek God’s kingdom first, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:33. Therefore, we make strides toward what we want most rather than becoming a slave to simply what we want now.
Two Old Testament Examples – which you may have already considered
Example One: Consider the story of Esau in Genesis 25:29-34. Esau, hungry and weary, traded his birthright for a bowl of stew. In that moment, he chose what he wanted now over what he wanted most. How often do we make similar trades? We exchange time in prayer for fleeting entertainment, or we let anger spill out instead of choosing patience and forbearance. Discipline calls us to pause, to pray, and to choose wisely, keeping our eyes fixed on the greater goal of glorifying God.
Example Two: Consider the story of Joseph in Genesis 39:6-12. Joseph, a young man serving in Potiphar’s house, faced a powerful temptation when Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce him. In that moment, Joseph could have given in to what he wanted now — a fleeting moment of pleasure that might have felt gratifying in the short term. But Joseph chose what he wanted most: to honor God and maintain his integrity. He fled from sin, declaring, “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Gen 39:9). Joseph’s discipline preserved his character and positioned him for God’s greater purpose, eventually leading him to become a ruler in Egypt which enabled God to save His people through him as a vessel for God’s glory.
Let’s be honest with each other…
As a pastor and biblical counselor, I’ve walked with many who struggle to cultivate this kind of discipline. In fact, depending upon the day and time, I struggle just like those with whom I walk. The good news is that we are not called to exercise discipline in our own strength. Instead, God provides us grace in every moment of the day to choose to honor Him and live as Christ, rather than give in to our own desires and live for the now (1 Cor 10:13). When we surrender our desires to Christ, He empowers us to choose what aligns with His perfect will (Rom 12:1-2). Thankfully, it is less about perfection and more about progress — growing in grace as we learn to trust Him more each day.
So, as you go about your day, let this truth guide you: Discipline is choosing between what you want NOW and what you want MOST. Will you chase temporary pleasures, or will you pursue a life that honors God in Christ? As we walk this journey together, may we all lean on His grace and grow in godly discipline.
Learn more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ here
Join us as seek to live for Christ as passionate followers of Jesus Christ in our worship at Sonrise.
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
Trackbacks/Pingbacks