In preparing for a new season of change and transition in my life, I read Barbara Hughes, Disciplines of A Godly Woman, this month. This was my first time reading a book on spiritual disciplines especially written to women. Many of the principles, however, would encourage Christian men as well.

What exactly is a Christian discipline anyway? Is it different from a regular discipline or good habit? I think it is different in that a Christian discipline, as practiced, should bring glory to God and increase our growth in godliness.

Barbara Hughes, wife of Pastor Kent Hughes for over thirty years, did a great job in the book of
explaining the importance of cultivating godly habits or disciplines in four major areas of our lives: Soul, Character, Relationships, and Ministry.

In thinking about the discipline of prayer in the Soul category for instance, I reflected on the privilege of going to the Lord with my praises, petitions, and confessions. It (prayer) is not one more thing to check off an endless to-do list. Yet, if I do not make time for this sacred activity, the busyness of life will deprive me of necessary spiritual nourishment. Discipline means that I will gladly find a place of priority for it in my life.

Good deeds can also be a discipline. I had never quite thought of the many opportunities for service that the Lord brings into my life as a discipline, but it is not a stretch to consider. In fact, each seeming interruption or request for help is a chance to deny self and grow in godliness, definitely a godly habit to cultivate.

There were many a-ha moments as I read through this book. One of the main things that I realized, however, is that we are all unique and have many pursuits in our lives that could become Christian disciplines – opportunities to train ourselves to be godly (I Tim 4:8).

Let’s face it, discipline is hard work, but well worth the effort. In addition, the Lord does not leave us to accomplish this on our own but is faithful to complete the good work that He began (Phil. 1:6).