The Need for Self-Discipline – Sunday, November 16, 1980
In the Bible, praise is given not to the strong man who “taketh a city,” but to the stronger man who “ruleth his own spirit.”1 The stronger man; it is he who exercises constant control over his thoughts, his speech, and his actions. We call it “self-discipline.”
Many benefits come from self-discipline. It is essential if we are to renew ourselves, to become aware of the full range of our abilities. Seneca said, “Most powerful is he who has himself in his power.”2 It takes self-discipline to understand ourselves, to know who we are, to live with ourselves. But as someone said, “It is not only the most difficult thing to know oneself, but the most inconvenient one, too.”3 Is it any wonder then that by middle life many persons are accomplished fugitives from themselves?
But to know ourselves—to discover the virtues of self-control—will return benefits not only to us but to those around us as well. A successful family relationship demands self-discipline. . . from all its members—not just some. Without the give and take self-control allows, many family relationships would be harmed.
Even from an historical perspective, the majority of desires and appetites which have degraded society would have shrunk into insignificance if there had been self-discipline, self-respect and self-control.
Yes, victory over oneself—that is the ultimate challenge, the gateway to our greatest opportunities. . . to be one person, singular in word and deed. All virtues depend on
self-discipline. It is the primary essence of character. Without discipline, there is no order in our lives. As Frederick Perthes said, “The government of one’s self is the only true freedom for the individual.”4 The most self-reliant, self-governing man is always under discipline. That is what gives him the power to follow his convictions and better prepare him to face the trials of life.
1 Proverbs 16:32.
2 Seneca, Epistulae ad Licilium.
3 John W. Gardner, “Self-Renewal,” Self-Renewal, Harper and Row, 1964, p. 15.
4 Samuel Smiles, “Self-Control,” Character, A. L. Burt Company, (year n/a), p. 165.
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November 16, 1980
Broadcast Number 2,674