things they will do because

Self-discipline is not what you think it is. You might think it a virtue, but I assure you it is not. It is tied to will and intimacy with God. Self-disciplined people can wake up early and exercise and study hard and push away dessert and put their careers before their home lives. I contend that this is not a matter of self-discipline, but rather liar letting a person be ambitious and focused on self. The ability to improve onself is not dicispline but competent selfishness.

Is it any coincidence that trying to do daily Bible reading or prayer or Word memorization or even spiritual journaling is a mighty task often defeated? A self-disciplined believer might find marathon-training a breeze, but daily prayer a mountainous task. Has nothing to do with internal structure, and everything to do with liar saying yes or no.

Self-discipline to improve one's position in relation to God is not self-discipline at all, but a mustering of faith and spiritual strength to walk the walk of faith. Not self-discipline, but faith.