A Life Of Holiness; Discipline Yourself!

June 12, 2025

A Life Of Holiness; Discipline Yourself!

Sometimes I struggle with people who are in a position of authority in my life.  When they abuse the power that comes with their position, I struggle to do what they say.  When they exercise their authority over me in ways that seem random and/or hurtful, I struggle to follow their leadership.  When they let pride or greed or fear influence how they relate to me, I struggle to obey what they ask.

At the same time, I have learned the importance of obedience.  Obedience is about trusting the person in authority and disciplining myself enough to follow their lead.  This is true in the workplace, in the family, on the athletic team, in the school, and in our spiritual life.

If I want to take the next step in living a life of holiness with Jesus, I must trust the authority of Jesus and be willing to discipline myself so I can take the next steps which Jesus presents.   

In I Peter 1:13-16 the Apostle Peter writes;“Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed.  Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance.  Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct, for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”

Peter says the second step to living a life of holiness is to “…discipline yourselves…”  In other words, implement a plan that helps you to follow through with the things necessary to grow your relationship with Jesus.  A life of holiness is about how we live our life; our conduct, our behavior, our actions!  A life of holiness is about being disciplined enough to do what the Holy Spirit asks…consistently and constantly! 

There is a man at the gym where my wife and I exercise.  Each morning, he arrives at 5:30 a.m.  He moves from one machine to the next for one hour.  He follows the same plan every morning even when it is not easy, even when it is inconvenient, and even when it is sometimes painful.  He engages in this discipline so that his life can be better and better.  He is over 80 years old!

+While most of the world sleeps, he practices a discipline that will make his life better.

+While most of the world does whatever they please, he practices a discipline that improves his health.

+While most of the world does not understand the value of what he is doing, he practices a discipline that sets him apart.

Disciplining ourself is about training, practice, and work.  Disciplining ourself is about training our heart, our mind, our soul, and our body to be something more.  Disciplining ourself is about developing a rhythm that allows for some repetition and a commitment to hard work.  Disciplining ourself is about obedience to that which has ultimate authority in our life.

Our ultimate authority is Jesus.  Our aim in life is becoming more and more like Jesus by living a life of holiness.  In Romans 12:2 the Apostle Paul writes; “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

A life of holiness leads to a life that is focused upon the good and acceptable and perfect will of the Lord God for my life.  The will of God is for you and me to become more and more like Jesus. 

The second step is to discipline ourselves to live a life of holiness.  Take some time this week to ask,

“Where do I need more discipline in my efforts to live a life of holiness with Jesus?” 

Avoid the excuses.  Avoid the hesitation to engage because you believe you are not worthy of such a life.  Avoid the same old rhythms and practices just because they are familiar and comfortable.

And, start simple. 

+First, begin by preparing a place to engage in some form of devotional time. 

+Second, decide upon a time of day when you will commit yourself to growing your relationship with Jesus. 

+Third, determine how many and what days of the week you will participate in the spiritual disciplines that will help you love Jesus more. 

+Fourth, choose a devotional resource that will help guide you during the early part of your journey. 

These four steps are enough for the next few days.  Sometime this week, spend a few more days adjusting your thinking about a devotional time, your relationship with Jesus, and what is going to get in the way of engaging in a devotional time.  Then, in about a week start implementing your plan and discipline for a devotional time.        

Take the step to discipline yourself to live a life of holiness.  When you do, your life will be filled with more and more delight in the Lord.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug