Disciplines of a Godly Man
by R Kent Hughes
by Peter F. Whyte, 2 Dec 2006
I picked up a copy of this book last month when Kent was in Northern Ireland. I’d previously dipped into his commentary on Mark’s Gospel with profit, but Disciplines of a Godly Man is a totally different sort of book.
Discipline is not a popular modern subject. Books on how to..., shortcuts, easy ways to..., tips and secrets and the like are a dime a dozen. But, as John MacArthur says on the back cover, ‘Discipline is a subject about which the Scriptures say much—but contemporary authors have been peculiarly silent.” I don’t think it’s that most Christian men are undisciplined, it’s more that we are disciplined when it comes to sport, business, and career. But when it comes to godliness and character we’re not quite so disciplined.
This book is no ten steps to success in a disciplined life of godliness. But it is practical, drawing motivation and principle from Scripture, and applying it forcefully but graciously. Having heard Kent speak at our evening service, you can just imagine how he would say it if he were sitting across the table from you over a cup of coffee. It is straightforwardly written, man to man, about the things of God. But it is not a quick read. I’ve found it best to read sections and reflect on them, sometimes at considerable length.
It’s good to hear a man with wide and deep experience of life—as a man, a father, a grandfather, and a pastor—share from his experience. How refreshing to be reminded of things we know, but just don’t seem to be practising as we should. And how challenging to have the full weight of Scripture brought to bear on these important matters that make a man of God.
I’ve found every chapter I’ve read so far a help. Chapter 2 on the Discipline of Purity is masterfully written. There isn’t a Christian man who doesn’t struggle daily with purity, if he’s truly honest. And Kent doesn’t pull any punches in this area. “Face the truth—King David fell, and so can you!” (p. 30) There’s nothing startling in his advice—it’s just sensible and scriptural. But how greatly such advice is needed in our blatantly sexual culture. This chapter alone will revolutionise your life.
I’m currently reading chapter 6 on the Discipline of the Mind. Homing in on Philippians 4:8 (on which David preached so recently), he tackles the practical matter of television viewing. The statistics he cites may be from the USA 20 years ago, but that probably makes them close to UK figures today. And the bottom line? “My advice?” Kent says, “Stop watching television. I mean that sincerely!” (p. 75)
Now Kent’s no hick preacher from Smallville, launching an uninformed gut-reaction attack on the ways of Metropolis. Read on before you jump to any conclusions. “Not watching TV will liberate so much time, it will become virtually impossible not to become a deeper person and a better Christian. ... I am not suggesting a new legalism which forbids TV and the cinema. ... But I am calling for believers to take control of their minds—what comes in and what goes out.” (p. 75) I can certainly agree with him. I watch less and less TV. I usually regret the nights I do, and I often feel robbed of time I could have spent more profitably.
Brothers, if you buy only one book from the table, then buy this one. And read it thoughtfully. Every Christian man should read this book. Don’t have David take any copies back to the ship. Have him take orders for extra copies.
Read other reviews and recommendations of this book:
- Read portions of it on-line at Amazon
Peter F. Whyte, “Review of Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes”, 2 Dec 2006, Gilnahirk Baptist Church Web site. http://www.gilnahirkbaptist.org.uk/resources/study/book-dgm.php (accessed 7 Jan 2009).
