“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” — Matthew 6:6 (KJV)
Introduction
Spiritual discipline is not a mere religious habit; it is the intentional shaping of one’s life toward godliness. It is the believer’s Spirit-empowered cooperation with the will of God, bringing the flesh under subjection and aligning the heart with the purposes of Christ. In a time when distraction is abundant and devotion is scarce, the disciplined Christian stands as a testimony of steadfast faith, holiness, and spiritual maturity. The Scriptures consistently call the people of God to a life of ordered devotion and deliberate obedience, for spiritual strength never develops by accident.
What Is Spiritual Discipline?
Spiritual discipline is the continual practice of godly habits that strengthen the believer’s walk with God. The apostle Paul describes it plainly: “Exercise thyself rather unto godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7). The word exercise points to training, effort, and intentionality. Spiritual discipline is the Christian’s commitment to pursue:
- Holiness (Hebrews 12:14)
- Obedience (John 14:15)
- Self-control (Galatians 5:23)
- Steadfastness (1 Corinthians 15:58)
These disciplines are not works of the flesh nor attempts to earn salvation. They are the fruit of salvation—proof that the believer is yielding daily to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.
The Foundation of Spiritual Discipline: A Heart Fixed on God
The disciplined life begins with the heart. David declared, “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed” (Psalm 57:7). No outward practice can compensate for an unfocused or divided heart. A Christian develops spiritual discipline by first surrendering the motives of life to Christ.
A disciplined believer lives for one purpose: to please the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:9). This singular devotion guards against inconsistency, apathy, and compromise. Without a fixed heart, spiritual discipline becomes drudgery; with a fixed heart, it becomes delight.
Key Disciplines of the Christian Life
Prayer: The Lifeline of Spiritual Strength
Jesus taught His disciples to pray continually, privately, and sincerely. Prayer aligns the heart with the will of God and strengthens the inner man.
- “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
- “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” (Matthew 26:41)
A disciplined prayer life trains the believer to trust God, resist temptation, and commune with Him daily.
Reading and Obeying the Word of God
Scripture is the foundation of spiritual growth.
- “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” (1 Peter 2:2)
- “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
The disciplined Christian does more than read; he meditates (Psalm 1:2), learns, applies, and obeys. The Word shapes convictions, renews the mind, and purifies the heart.
Fasting: Subduing the Flesh to Exalt the Spirit
Fasting is the deliberate denial of the flesh to draw nearer to God.
- “When ye fast…” (Matthew 6:16) assumes believers will fast.
- Fasting sharpens spiritual sensitivity and demonstrates humility (Ezra 8:21).
This discipline brings the desires of the flesh under holy restraint so the believer may better discern the voice and leading of God.
Worship: Aligning the Heart in Reverence and Awe
True worship is more than a song—it is the posture of a surrendered heart.
- “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)
A disciplined believer worships consistently, not only in corporate gathering but in daily life.
Fellowship With the Church
Isolation weakens spiritual resolve; fellowship strengthens it.
- “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” (Hebrews 10:25)
Spiritual discipline grows as believers encourage, sharpen, and hold one another accountable.
Self-Denial and Taking Up the Cross
Jesus laid the foundation of disciplined discipleship:
- “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
Discipline is daily. It is costly. But it produces Christlike character.
How a Christian Achieves Spiritual Discipline
By the Power of the Holy Spirit
No believer can cultivate discipline by human strength alone.
- “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6)
The Spirit empowers the believer to desire what is holy and reject what is sinful.
By Establishing Godly Habits
Daniel prayed three times a day (Daniel 6:10). Paul was steadfast in every city. Jesus rose early to commune with the Father (Mark 1:35).
Consistency is the soil in which discipline grows.
By Guarding the Mind and Heart
- “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
A Christian must set boundaries—guarding against sin, distraction, and worldly influence.
By Walking in Accountability
Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). Spiritual discipline is strengthened when believers walk alongside others who challenge and encourage faithfulness.
By Fixing the Eyes on Eternal Reward
Paul’s discipline was fueled by vision:
- “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)
The disciplined Christian sees beyond the present moment to the eternal glory that awaits.
Conclusion
Spiritual discipline is the deliberate pursuit of a holy God by a surrendered believer. Through prayer, Scripture, fasting, worship, fellowship, self-denial, and a Spirit-empowered life, the Christian grows in strength, maturity, and divine purpose. This disciplined life is not burdensome; it is transformative. It prepares the believer for the trials of the present age, equips him for spiritual warfare, and aligns him with the prophetic purposes of God in these final days. Spiritual discipline is the pathway to steadfast faith—and the mark of a true disciple of Jesus Christ.