Self-Discipline is a missing proficiency in many lives. And that’s tragic. I’ve found that much of Jonathan Edwards resolutions – and life in general – can be boiled down to this single, hyphenated phrase.
Self-Discipline.
Surely Ewards revered it. He held himself to an incredibly high standard. As one who does the same, I can attest that doing so brings a unique set of challenges. It is frustrating to connect with others who do not hold themselves to as high a standard. The key is to remember that not everyone has that same standard, and we are to connect with those very souls for purposes of being the church.
Now, before you go thinking that I consider myself high and mighty – please know that is not the case. There are MANY areas of life where my self-discipline is sorely lacking. However, there are many areas of my life where I feel I am more exception than rule, simply because I have instilled self-discipline towards that matter.
Still, temptation persists. Even in those areas where you consider yourself highly self-disciplined. And that is why Edwards put in this failsafe. Resolution 3 – the failsafe.
Jonathan Edwards Resolution 3
Edwards’ Resolution #3 (as it was written)
Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
Edwards’ Resolution #3 (in my modernized language)
When I fail at or neglect any part of my God-directed resolve; I’ll seek God’s forgiveness the moment I am aware of it.
Self-Discipline and Connecting With God’s People
Paul’s words to the Church in Corinth is one that we must remember when it comes to our standards. He speaks very candidly about it. He notes that – even though his self-discipline enslaves him to no man – he still entered their less disciplined worldviews, looking through their eyes without forfeiting his standards.
Why? Well, the Gospel, of course.
Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!
1 Cor. 9:19-23 MSG
Holy Training & Preventing Distraction
Paul took a page from Simon Sinek by starting with why in speaking to the Corinthians. He then goes on to explain the “how” of his message. In so doing, he compares the self-disciplined Christian life to that of a world-class athlete in training.
Then, he follows it up with “what” motivates our efforts.
You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.
1 Cor 19 24-25 MSG
The Impact of a Self-Disciplined Life
A life of faith is a life God seeks. It’s the foundation for spiritual growth.
Being faithful, though, requires self-discipline. This is why self-control is one of the nine Fruits of the Spirit that Paul lists in Galatians 5:22-23. Self-discipline and self-control are essentially the same. Another translation uses “temperance.” Regardless of the term you prefer, it comes down to an ability to restrain ourselves from feelings, impulses, and desires that are not producing of a faithful life. Self-Discipline, therefore, is clearly an essential attribute of Christian living.
A self-disciplined life is one that prepares itself to respond to God’s will. Self-control, when a ripened Fruit of the Spirit, allows us to be more Christ-like in our ways; how we act and react. Why might that matter?
Well, remember, we are like a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14), one that can’t help being seen. Let’s be sure they see the very best of God, and not the very worst of ourselves.