Spiritual discipline does not happen by accident. Just as our bodies become stronger when we exercise consistently, our faith becomes stronger when we intentionally spend time with God.
The apostle Paul said, “Exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things” 1 Timothy 4:7–8. Spiritual growth requires a willing heart and a daily commitment.
We cannot expect to be strong Christians if we only seek God when we are in trouble. We build spiritual strength by making prayer, Scripture, worship, obedience, and fellowship with God a regular part of our lives.
Jesus Himself demonstrated the importance of making time with the Father a priority. “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed” Mark 1:35. If Jesus intentionally withdrew to pray, how much more do we need that time with God?
Our schedules can become crowded with work, family, responsibilities, and distractions, but spiritual discipline means we deliberately make room for what matters most.
It may mean getting up a little earlier, turning off the television, putting down the phone, or simply finding a quiet place where we can listen to God through His Word and prayer.
Consider someone who decides they want to become physically stronger. They don't go to the gym once and expect to be strong forever. They return again and again, even on days when they do not feel like exercising. Over time, the small acts of consistency produce noticeable strength as their bodies change.
The same is true spiritually. We may not see immediate results when we pray, read our Bible, or choose obedience, but God is working beneath the surface. “But let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” Galatians 6:9. Discipline is continuing to do what is right even when our emotions are telling us to quit.
Spiritual discipline is also about learning to say no to things that weaken our relationship with God. Paul wrote, “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection” 1 Corinthians 9:27. This does not mean earning God’s love through our works. God’s grace is freely given; rather, discipline is our response to that grace.
There will always be distractions competing for our attention. There will be moments when we would rather sleep than pray, scroll than read Scripture, or complain rather than worship. Building discipline means training our hearts to choose God’s will over our momentary desires.
The beautiful thing about spiritual discipline is that we are not expected to do it in our own strength. God is the One who helps us grow. Philippians 2:13 reminds us, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
When we consistently come before Him, He changes our desires, strengthens our faith, and teaches us to recognize His voice. Like a tree that grows stronger through deep roots, our lives become steadier when our roots go deeper into God’s Word.
Psalm 1:2–3 describes the person who delights in God’s law and meditates on it as being like “a tree planted by the rivers of water”, a life that can remain fruitful even when difficult seasons come.
Today, don’t look at spiritual discipline as another burden on your list of things to accomplish. Look at it as an invitation to draw closer to the One who loves you.
Start where you are. Set aside time to pray. Open your Bible and read even a few verses. Worship God when you don’t feel like it. Obey Him when obedience is difficult. Keep showing up, day after day, because consistency creates spiritual strength. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” James 4:8.
The goal isn’t simply to become more disciplined, it is to become more like Christ. And every day we intentionally seek Him, God is shaping us into the person He has called us to be.
Hold Fast,
-Bren
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