“Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching.” (Prov. 4:1-2, ESV)  Disciplines of a Godly Young Man is just that: a wise father’s instruction to his sons.  R. Kent Hughes’ family lends credibility to his teaching—and one of his sons, now the father of eight children himself, joined his father in the production of this book.   

In a cultural climate of instant gratification, self-indulgence, and have-it-your-way, discipline is an unpopular word.  An introductory chapter entitled “Discipline Is Everything!” draws illustrations from competitive sportsmen, classical composers, writers, and national leaders.  The book’s keystone text, “Train yourself for godliness” (I Tim. 4:7), has gymnasium and exercise associations.   After a brief look at current hindrances such as feminism, entertainment, and legalism, the authors move to their twelve disciplines, grouped under the headings of relationships, soul, character, and ministry. 

The discipline of purity is first, since sensuality is “easily the biggest obstacle to godliness today.’ (31)  King David’s fall into adultery provides numerous practical warnings. Prayer and Scripture memorization are crucial to purity but also accountability and boundaries.  David’s friendship with Jonathan is the teaching module on godly male friendships, which (between selfish individualism and the shadow of homosexuality) seem to have fallen on hard times.

Disciplines of the soul include the programing of a godly mindset, prayer, and devotion (meditation, confession, adoration, and submission).  One of the great scandals of today’s church, say the authors, is “Christians without Christian minds.”  (56)  Developing a godly perspective involves “refusal”: circumspection about the time spent on our varieties of screens as well as media content.  Filling our minds with truth is crucial—they suggest not just reading but listening to the Bible with one of the many devices at our disposal.

Various specifics could come under the heading of character development.  The authors concentrate on three: the tongue, with practical lessons from Proverbs and James; work, which is under a curse but in the process of redemption; and Hebrews-12-style perseverance, which involves laying aside of weights, focusing on Jesus, and running the unique race God has charted out for each individual.

The ministry section emphasizes the importance of commitment to and investment in the church.  “Me-focused lone rangers” or church-hoppers and -shoppers lack the benefits of teaching, corporate worship, accountability, and discipleship and are “stunted and incomplete.”  The authors provide an excellent scriptural overview of the doctrine of the church before outlining a member’s responsibilities.  One of these, giving, is entitled to a chapter of its own, reviewing biblical generosity from the Old Testament firstfruits and tithe to the New Testament regular setting-aside of resources.  As for the discipline of witnessing, apparently Anabaptists are not the only ones who expect their lifestyle to speak for itself.  W. Carey firmly rebukes the silent witness and gives pointers for “gospel clarity.”  (156)

At roughly half the pages, the book is a condensed version of R. Kent Hughes’s Disciplines of a Godly Man, published in 1991.