In an age of “life hacks” and instant gratification, the concept of discipline often feels like a relic of a bygone era. Yet, for the Christian man, discipline is not a burden; it is the path to freedom. R. Kent Hughes’ seminal work, Disciplines of a Godly Man, stands as a modern classic, challenging men to trade spiritual lethargy for a life of purpose, strength, and godliness.
This isn’t just a book; it’s a manual for spiritual “sweat.” Hughes argues that godliness is not a product of accidental drift but of intentional, Spirit-empowered effort. Below is an in-depth exploration of the disciplines that shape a man after God’s own heart.
Part 1: Introduction – The Discipline for Godliness
Hughes opens with a jarring reality check: “Discipline is the path to godliness.” He uses the metaphor of an athlete training for the Olympics. Just as a runner doesn’t wake up one day and accidentally win a marathon, a man does not stumble into holiness.
The central thesis of the book is rooted in 1 Timothy 4:7: “Train yourself for godliness.” Hughes clarifies that this training is not legalism. We don’t do these things to earn God’s love, but because we have God’s love. Grace is the fuel, but discipline is the engine.
Part 2: Relationships – The Context of Godliness
A man’s spirituality is most visible in how he treats the people closest to him. Hughes breaks down four key relational areas.
The Discipline of Purity
Hughes doesn’t pull punches here. In a hyper-sexualized culture, purity is a battle for the eyes and the mind. He emphasizes that purity is a proactive discipline, not a reactive one. It involves “covenanting with your eyes” and recognizing that sensory indulgence is a trap that leads to spiritual death.
The Discipline of Marriage
Marriage is the primary laboratory for godliness. Hughes challenges men to lead through sacrificial love, mirroring Christ’s love for the Church. This means dying to self, listening well, and being the “spiritual thermostat” of the home.
The Discipline of Fatherhood
Hughes argues that a father’s greatest gift to his children is his own godliness. He emphasizes the need for consistent presence and the intentional instruction of children in the Word. A godly father isn’t just a provider; he is a pastor to his family.
The Discipline of Friendship
Men are notoriously bad at deep friendship. Hughes highlights the necessity of brotherhood and accountability. We need men who can “sharpen” us (Proverbs 27:17), pushing us toward Christ when we are tempted to settle for mediocrity.
Part 3: The Soul – The Interior Life
If the “Relationships” section deals with the exterior, “The Soul” focuses on the engine room.
The Discipline of Mind
You are what you think. Hughes warns against “mental flabbiness” and the consumption of “junk food” media. He advocates for the rigorous study of Scripture and theology, urging men to take every thought captive.
The Discipline of Devotion
This is the “quiet time” or the “morning watch.” Hughes stresses that without a daily, personal encounter with the Word of God, a man’s spiritual life will inevitably wither. Consistency is more important than quantity.
The Discipline of Prayer
Hughes views prayer as a combat discipline. It is how we align our wills with God’s. He provides practical tips on how to structure prayer to avoid the “shopping list” syndrome, focusing instead on adoration, confession, and intercession.
The Discipline of Worship
Worship is not a Sunday morning spectator sport. It is a daily orientation of the heart toward the glory of God. Hughes encourages men to be active participants in the liturgy and to carry a spirit of worship into their mundane tasks.
Part 4: Character – The Marks of a Man
Character is what a man is in the dark. Hughes explores the traits that define a “heavyweight” Christian.
The Discipline of Integrity
Integrity means the “whole is equal to the sum of its parts.” Hughes challenges men to be the same person at work as they are at church. Honesty in small things is the foundation of a life of integrity.
The Discipline of the Tongue
The power of life and death is in the tongue. Hughes calls for the discipline of silence and thoughtful speech. This involves killing gossip, sarcasm, and boastful talk, replacing them with words that build up.
The Discipline of Work
Work is not a curse; it is a gift from God. Hughes argues that a godly man works with excellence, seeing his job as an act of service to Christ. Whether you are a CEO or a custodian, your work should be done coram Deo (before the face of God).
The Discipline of Perseverance
The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. Hughes encourages men to “keep on keeping on.” Perseverance is the ability to maintain one’s spiritual trajectory even when the initial excitement fades and the trials begin.
Part 5: Ministry – The Call to Serve
Every man is called to be a minister. Hughes outlines how that looks in the context of the local church and the world.
- Discipline of Church: Loving the messy, imperfect local body of believers.
- Discipline of Leadership: Taking responsibility and serving others without seeking the spotlight.
- Discipline of Giving: Breaking the power of materialism through radical, cheerful generosity.
- Discipline of Witness: Sharing the Gospel as a lifestyle, not just an occasional event.
- Discipline of Ministry: Finding your spiritual gift and using it to build up the body of Christ.
Part 6: Discipline – The Grace of Discipline
In the final section, Hughes circles back to the heart of the matter. Discipline is a grace. It is the means by which God reshapes our character. He warns against the “legalistic trap”—thinking our effort makes us more righteous. Instead, we must realize that even our ability to be disciplined is a gift from the Holy Spirit.
The Resources: Tools for the Journey
One of the highlights of this book is the extensive “Resource” section. Hughes doesn’t just tell you what to do; he shows you how to do it.
- Resources for Spiritual Growth: A curated list of books and tools for further study.
- Reading Surveys: Practical ways to track your intellectual growth.
- Proverbs regarding the Tongue: A biblical deep-dive into speech.
- Hymns and Scripture Songs: Encouragement to fill your home and mind with music that honors God.
- Praise Psalms: Specific selections to aid in personal worship and prayer.
The Author’s Core Message
The central message R. Kent Hughes wants to convey is simple yet profound: Godliness is not a matter of feelings, but of focused effort empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Hughes wants men to realize that they are in a spiritual war. Passive men lose. But men who are willing to submit their lives to the “holy sweat” of discipline will find a life of strength, influence, and deep intimacy with God. He wants to move men from being “spiritual couch potatoes” to being “spiritual athletes.”
Why This Book Matters Today
In a culture that prioritizes comfort, Disciplines of a Godly Man is a refreshing cold shower. It reminds us that:
- Leadership is Service: A godly man leads by dying to himself.
- Small Habits Matter: Godliness is built in the daily routines—prayer, reading, and work.
- Community is Vital: We cannot be disciplined in a vacuum.
Summary: The 15 Disciplines
Category | Discipline | Focus |
Relationships | Purity, Marriage, Fatherhood, Friendship | External integrity and sacrificial love. |
Soul | Mind, Devotion, Prayer, Worship | Internal communion with God. |
Character | Integrity, Tongue, Work, Perseverance | Consistency and resilience. |
Ministry | Church, Giving, Witness, Leadership | Serving the body and the world. |
Conclusion
Disciplines of a Godly Man is more than a book; it’s a lifetime curriculum. R. Kent Hughes provides a roadmap for any man who is tired of living a “lukewarm” life and is ready to step into the rugged, beautiful calling of biblical manhood. It’s hard work, yes. But as Hughes shows, it’s the only work that yields an eternal dividend.
FAQs
Q1. Is this book only for Christian men?
Primarily yes, but many principles apply to anyone seeking discipline and integrity.
Q2. Is the book practical or theological?
It’s deeply practical, grounded in solid biblical theology.
Q3. Can this book be used for group study?
Absolutely. It’s excellent for men’s groups and discipleship studies.
Q4. Is the book outdated?
No. Its principles are timeless and highly relevant today.
Q5. What is the biggest takeaway?
Godliness grows through intentional, grace-filled discipline practiced daily.