Nothing Good Comes Easy: Building Daily Disciplines

Several Sundays ago my pastor made a point that changed and challenged my thinking: Discipline isn’t a spiritual gift God gives.

We all want growth, but let’s be honest—discipline isn’t glamorous. It’s not a flashy moment of transformation. It’s built in the ordinary, often unnoticed choices we make every day. And unfortunately for me, and probably you, it’s true: discipline isn’t something God just hands us like a spiritual participation trophy. It’s something we have to cultivate, one decision at a time, until it’s our default position.

The Slow Work of Spiritual Formation

We love fast results. Microwave meals, same-day shipping, instant everything. But when it comes to discipleship, both our own and that of the people we’re investing in, there are no shortcuts. Hebrews 12:11 tells us, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” That’s the promise: discipline may not feel great in the moment, but it leads to something deeply good.

Research supports this. In his book, Atomic Habits, James Clear emphasizes that lasting change comes from small, repeated behaviors over time. Studies in behavioral psychology confirm that incremental progress—starting small and staying consistent—yields better results than drastic but unsustainable efforts.

But let’s be real. Staying consistent is the hard part, especially in ministry. There are sermons to write, meetings to run, and people to care for. So how do we build the kind of discipline that sustains both our personal discipleship and our work of making disciples?

Three Ways to Build Spiritual Disciplines That Last

Discipline isn’t about willpower—it’s about strategy. Here’s how to make it stick:

1. Shrink the Goal: Start Smaller Than You Think You Need To

Most people fail at discipline because they start too big. We aim for an hour of prayer a day, a deep-dive Bible study, or meeting with multiple people for discipleship—and we burn out fast. 

Instead, start with five minutes. One meaningful conversation. One intentional next step. Small sustainable changes lead to long-term impact.

Zechariah 4:10 reminds us, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” God values the small, faithful steps that build toward something greater.

2. Anchor New Habits to Existing Routines

Trying to start a new habit from scratch is like planting a tree without soil—it won’t last. The best way to build consistency is to tie it to something you’re already doing. Read a Psalm while you drink your morning coffee. Pray for your disciples on your drive to work. Send a quick text of encouragement every time you check your email. When disciplemaking becomes part of your natural rhythm, it stops feeling like another thing on your to-do list.

Charles Duhigg, in The Power of Habit, explains that habits form best when they are linked to existing behaviors. By anchoring new disciplines to established routines, they become automatic over time.

3. Celebrate Progress—Even When It Feels Slow

Growth isn’t linear and disciplemaking definitely isn’t a straight path. Some days feel full of momentum; others feel like nothing’s happening. Celebrate anyway. Recognize when you’ve shown up, even if the results aren’t obvious yet. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s perseverance.

Paul echoes this in Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Progress isn’t always visible, but faithfulness always bears fruit in time.

The Long Game of Disciplemaking

A disciplemaking culture doesn’t appear overnight. It takes intentional leadership, faithful investment, and a long-haul mindset. The good news? You don’t have to create this culture alone. Jesus modeled it—patiently walking with His disciples, teaching in everyday moments, and staying faithful to the mission even when results weren’t immediate.

So here’s the challenge: What’s one small, doable habit you can commit to in the days and weeks ahead?

Because here’s the truth: God meets us in the practice, not just in the results. And as we stay the course, we’ll see transformation. In us. In others. In our churches. One step at a time.