Christian discipline means placing oneself under orders. It is no mere business of self-improvement, to be listed along with speed reading, weight watching, jogging, time management, home repairs, or how to win friends. Such programs have a strong appeal that is largely self serving: what's in it for me?
The disciple is not on his own, left to seek self-actualization, which is a new word for old-fashioned selfishness. He is not "doing his thing" to find his own life or liberty or happiness. He gives himself to a Master and in so doing leaves self behind.
-Elisabeth Elliot Discipline: The Glad Surrender
