Discipline Like A Disciple
Let’s be honest with each other—when we hear the word discipline, most of us flinch just a little. Discipline sounds like restriction. Like punishment. Like missing out on fun stuff. But what if I told you discipline isn’t a punishment at all—but a pathway? It’s a passport, even—to the life God has for you?
The root word of disciple is… you guessed it—discipline. Yep. Jesus’ closest followers weren’t just miracle witnesses, water-walkers, or parable listeners. They were disciplined people. Not perfect. Not polished. But they showed up every day. They followed. They grew. They stuck with it—even when they didn’t understand the full picture. Ever thought about this? Jesus didn’t offer them a 401(k), a travel itinerary, or even a solid place to sleep. When He said, “Follow Me,” they left everything—jobs, families, their comfort zones—and stepped into a life that required serious, daily discipline. Jesus told them they would be fishers of men, but He didn’t mention the cost of bearing their own “cross”.
The disciples had to discipline their minds to believe when things didn’t make sense (like feeding 5,000 with a snack box lol).
The disciples had to discipline their mouths to speak what Jesus taught rather than what culture encouraged. They had to renew their minds daily by listening to Jesus.
The disciples had to discipline their hearts to forgive each other and others over and over again.
That’s not the kind of discipline we talk about often—but it’s the kind that makes us more like Jesus.
Discipline isn’t just doing hard things—It’s doing the right things repeatedly. It’s choosing quiet time to meditate on Scripture over endless social media scrolling.
It’s taking your thoughts captive when your emotions want to take the wheel.
It’s saying “no” to something good so you can say “yes” to something God.
Discipline isn’t so much about being strict as it is about being strategic. The disciples didn’t follow Jesus by accident. They made daily decisions to keep following Him, especially when it was uncomfortable or tiring or even dangerous.
You and I are no different from the original disciples. We are modern day disciples that make daily decisions to keep following Jesus. Some days it is uncomfortable, tiring, and even dangerous however we keep going.
I’ve listed below three tips to bring disciple-style discipline into our everyday lives:
1. Follow First, Figure Out Later.
The disciples didn’t always understand Jesus’ next move. But they moved with Him.
➡ Your turn: Stop waiting to “feel ready.” Can I help you? If it’s a God assignment, you are never going to “feel ready”. He gives us assignments that are over our head so He can get the glory. Just follow. Start that morning devotion. Join the Bible study. Apologize first. Let God explain as you go. You don’t have to have the whole plan before you start.
2. Keep Showing Up.
Even when the crowd left, the disciples stayed.
➡ Your turn: Consistency is louder than perfection. You’re not failing because you had a bad day. You’re growing because you didn’t quit. Keep showing up! I cannot say it enough. KEEP SHOWING UP! Those who stand closest to the fire get warmed. Stay close to Jesus by acknowledging the Holy Spirit in you. Be disciplined enough to meditate on His Word and allow yourself to be guided and led.
3. Be Willing to Be Uncomfortable.
The disciples often looked foolish to the world. But they were faithful.
➡ Your turn: Stop waiting for convenience. Start choosing what challenges you to grow. God will surely take the foolish things of the world and use them in wise ways. We cannot be concerned about how something may look to the world if God has commanded us to do an action. He is notorious for confounding the wise in this manner.
From now on, let’s refer to discipline as love in action. Hasn’t God said He disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6), but it’s not about punishment—it’s about preparation. He’s building something solid in you, and discipline is the framework. The disciples had front-row seats to miracles—but only because they stuck around long enough to see them. That’s what discipline does—it positions you to witness the breakthrough.
Remember, you don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be disciplined like a disciple. Show up. Stay close. Keep learning. Because behind every miracle is a moment of obedience. And behind every obedient moment is a quiet act of discipline.
Let’s stop fearing discipline and start embracing it—as our discipleship in action.
I pray you have enjoyed this unique look at discipline. Share it with someone who needs a little motivation to stay the course. Let’s grow in grace together and remember a blessed soul is A Well-Fed Soul.
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