OK, so the words "discipline" and "self-discipline" really make me cringe. Especially in the context of God, I think of asceticism, harsh desert living conditions (monks & monasteries), total denying thyself praying & fasting, not enjoying life or God but totally Holy out the wazoo. No indulging in good food, no wine, no sex, no crazy laughter, no smiling. Discipline! Be disciplined! Silly kid, always trying to have fun. No discipline. Do your homework. And when I hear the word "godliness" I think of a very austere man or priest or something. Very moral and straight. Priorities sorted out, no nonsense. So .... as a Christian, it would make me sqeamish to read passages like 1 Tim 4:7-9 - "discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. " While meditating on this scripture, I asked God some simple questions about it. I was pleasantly surprised by his answers. "Lord, how do I discipline myself?" - let my heart enter into intimacy with God frequently - enjoy God - allow myself to be transformed by resting, waiting, trusting, and enjoying God - not allowing myself to be conformed to the world "Lord, what is godliness?" - who have I seen in my life that posesses godliness? - a great love for the Lord - a warm, passionate nearness & love - hearing God, sensitive to his desires - willing to obey him without hesitation Thank you Lord. God is in the process of destroying my "letter killeth" view of his word, and teaching me instead how to walk day by day in a relationship with him. What God wants from us isn't earned righteousness, but simply daily communion and relationship. To keep the channels of communication open, to enjoy him, to rejoice in his presence, to be malleable, to remain available & willing, to fulfill his purposes for our lives, which is always really really exciting. Our obedience to him is made possible & given strength thru our intimacy with him. - "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all of your soul, all of your mind, and all of your strength." - this is indeed the greatest commandment.