The Discipline of Growth
My husband Michael is a morning person.
He’s up at the crack of dawn, ready to take on the day. The alarm goes off, and he simply gets up. No hesitation. No internal debate.
I am not that way.
For me, getting out of bed is the first hard thing of the day. The room is warm. The house is quiet. The snooze button is inviting. Everything in me wants five more minutes, and then another 5…
And right there — before my feet hit the floor — there’s a choice.
That’s where discipline begins for me. Not a life-changing event—just a small, stubborn step. Overcoming the pull of comfort.
And the truth is, we feel that tension all day long. Don’t we?
Most of us don’t want to unload the dishwasher when we’re happily scrolling. We don’t wake up eager to fold endless baskets of laundry. No one naturally prefers humility over pride or forgiveness over holding a grudge.
And sometimes the disciplines we’re called to are far more heavy than dishes and laundry.
Paul didn’t pretend that growth was effortless.
In 1 Corinthians 9:27 (NIV), he writes, “No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave…”
That’s strong language. There’s resolve in that. There’s intention. There’s grit.
And in Philippians 3:12 (NIV), he says,
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on…”
He presses on. He strains forward. He refuses to coast.
Paul is not passive about growth. He strives. He exerts effort. He disciplines his body.
But at the same time, he is fully aware of the source of his strength.
“I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” – Colossians 1:29, NIV
And that brings us back to the verse in our study guide this week that says, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7, NIV
The Spirit gives us the power to change. Discipline gives that power direction.
Paul doesn’t separate spiritual growth from physical habits, and neither should we.
The discipline to rise, to serve, to speak kindly, to rest wisely — these are not small matters. They are training grounds for obedience.
The body has impulses. The Spirit gives direction. And growth? It happens in the tension between the two.
Sometimes that tension feels weighty.
Other times, it’s as simple as closing the cookie jar.
Or putting the phone down.
Or responding gently to a harsh accusation.
It’s worked out in kitchens and laundry rooms and quiet bedrooms before dawn. It’s formed in the ordinary places of life.
And sometimes it begins with a simple choice to throw back the covers and put one foot on the floor.
This Week’s Printable
Here is this week’s printable. Click the image to view and print a higher resolution.
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