The author illustrates importance of discipline in spiritual matters in the first chapter:
We will never get anywhere in life without discipline, be it in the arts, business, athletics, or academics. This is doubly so in spiritual matters. In other areas we may be able to claim some innate advantage. An athlete may be born with a strong body, a musician with perfect pitch, or an artist with an eye for perspective. But none of us can claim an innate spiritual advantage. In reality, we are all equally disadvantaged. None of us naturally seeks after God, none is inherently righteous, none instinctively does good (cf. Romans 3:9-18). Therefore, as children of grace, our spiritual discipline is everything - everything!
Praise for the Print Edition
Disciplines of a Godly Man has received rave reviews from influential Christian leaders such as John MacArthur, Charles Swindoll, Mike Singletary and John Piper.
Discipline is a subject which the Scriptures say much - but contemporary authors have been peculiarly silent. Kent Hughes fills a gaping void with this superb volume... If there is a spark of spiritual desire in your soul, this book will surely kindle it into a blazing passion for godly discipline. - John MacArthur
About the Author
R. Kent Hughes is senior pastor of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois and a father of four. He has authored several other books including The Preaching the Word Collection.