Disciplined: Living with Purpose on Purpose
"Rather, he must be hospitable, a lover of goodness, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined."
—Titus 1:8
Of all the qualifications Paul gives for spiritual leaders, discipline may be the one we admire most—and practice least.
It’s not glamorous. It doesn’t get headlines. But Paul knew that if the Church was going to last, it needed leaders with the kind of internal strength that doesn't give up easily, get distracted easily, or give in easily.
Because discipline isn't just about doing hard things. It's about living with consistency and purpose, even when no one is watching.
What Does “Disciplined” Mean?
The Greek word here is ἐγκρατής (enkratēs), meaning:
“having power over oneself”
“restrained, inwardly governed, consistently steady”
It points to someone whose passions don’t rule them. Their habits are intentional. Their time, energy, words, and desires are shaped by commitment, not convenience.
This overlaps with “self-controlled,” but with a focus on daily practice—not just impulse management, but ongoing formation.
Why This Matters in the Church
Discipline is what holds everything else together.
You can love what’s good, but without discipline, you’ll drift.
You can want to live uprightly, but without discipline, you’ll crumble under pressure.
You can aspire to holiness, but without discipline, it’ll remain a wish.
Catholic teaching often connects discipline with virtue, asceticism, and the call to daily conversion.
“Man’s dignity requires him to act out of conscious and free choice… not be driven by blind impulse.”
—Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2339
A disciplined life is not joyless—it is fruitful. It’s the daily grind of showing up to prayer, resisting sin, stewarding your responsibilities, and walking in grace.
Jesus, the Disciplined Servant
Jesus practiced discipline. He woke early to pray. He fasted. He obeyed the Father even when it meant suffering. He lived with perfect intentionality—never rushing, never drifting, never distracted from His mission.
He taught discipline through action, not just words. And He invited His followers into that same kind of life: “Take up your cross daily and follow Me.”
A Word to the Drifting
If this word convicts you—you’re not alone.
Most of us wrestle with discipline in some area. Maybe it's time in Scripture. Maybe it's prayer. Maybe it's overindulgence, procrastination, or the weariness of doing good.
But discipline is not about proving your worth to God. It’s about being formed by God—through daily, repeated surrender.
That’s the invitation: not to perform, but to persevere.
Final Thoughts
When Paul says a spiritual leader must be disciplined, he’s not talking about boot camp. He’s talking about someone whose life is anchored in practices that lead to holiness. Someone who shows up, stays faithful, and keeps choosing Christ—even when it’s hard, boring, or slow.
In a world of distraction and disorder, disciplined leadership stands out—not for its performance, but for its persistence.
Reflection Questions:
What daily habits are shaping me—for better or worse?
Where have I grown slack in spiritual discipline?
What’s one area God might be calling me to renewed consistency this week?
