Disciplines of a Godly Man (Updated Edition)

My Rating - Must Read Level - Fairly easy read, moderate length Summary As the title implies, this is a book about disciplines for men who are trying to live a 'Godly' life. After the introduction Hughes goes into the 17 disciplines he has identified as needed for men. He breaks these into four broad categories - Relationships - which he identifies as the disciplines of purity, marriage, fatherhood, and friendship. He uses the story of David to illustrate the importance of purity. Originally written in 1991 and revised in 2001, there is the noticeable lack of discussion of internet porn. It seems almost funny (naive?) that he would warn about magazines like Playboy, which doesn't even have nudity anymore. The chapters on marriage and fatherhood are about what you'd expect, though I think he does a good job of warning fathers not to be too harsh in punishment; something often quite lacking in the Christian world. He finishes this section with a chapter on friendship. This was a challenging chapter and a topic I think is often overlooked. Soul - mind, devotion, prayer, and worship. Mind, encourages us to watch out mental intake. He points out the statistics of the amount of TV people watch on a daily basis as compared to the relatively small amount spent reading. He isn't opposed to TV, just points out that for the most part, it is there just to kill time, and recommends different things to read instead - Scripture and Christian literature. Devotion, he breaks down into meditation (on the word), confession, and adoration. Prayer and worship are also as you'd expect, worship being specifically about importance of corporate worship. Character - integrity, tongue, work, and perseverance. Being a man of integrity and clean speech are fairly typical, but the work aspect is unique. I found it especially telling that he would put a chapter on the importance of working in the character section of the book, and after reading the chapter and his arguments, one I fully agree with. The chapter on perseverance was also a new idea to me. His general point is that things aren't easy, and it takes time to accomplish things, and often it is hard just to keep going. This chapter is a short, but helpful, call to focus on what God has laid out for you and to continue on the path. Ministry - church, leadership, giving, witness, and ministry. Again, chapters like being involved in church, giving money, and witnessing (evangelism) are typical and as expected. Leadership is another short chapter that bring a different perspective, but something that is important for men especially. We are all called to be leadership in one aspect or another, work, family, the church, etc. He rounds out the section on ministry with a chapter about, well, ministry. By this he means the importance of actually doing something. Be involved, be willing to be uncomfortable, to be challenged, and to fail, if all for the glory of Christ. Finally, there is a short epilogue with a concluding argument for the importance of Godly discipline and the correct response to grace God has given us. The book is then packed with another 50 pages or so of 'resources' including the hilariously dated 'Bible on Audiocassette', which, honestly, I'm surprised made it into the updated version (the word is so old that my spell-checker is telling me I have it spelled incorrectly). There are also Bible reading plans (including M'Cheyne, which I recommend), helpful Proverbs regarding speech, hymns, choruses, and praise Psalms. As a reading nerd, the most interesting resource to me was his reading survey. He asks a number of well known evangelicals questions regarding their favorite books. This in itself is probably worth the price of the book, and I should probably make it it's own post. Last note on the book, the cover clearly states that there is a complete study guide. This is not what you are probably expecting (unless there was a shipping error and I didn't receive some sort of stand alone guide), as there isn't a dedicated 'study guide' section. Instead, at the end of each chapter, are some thoughts and discussion questions. My Thoughts Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Written very well in general, it especially pastoral in practice and effect. The typical disciplines you see (not a negative, they are always written about because they clearly Biblical and obviously important) written about are handled well, but the strength of this books comes from some of the other chapters that tackles things you don't always see, such as friendship and work. I'd say this is probably the best book on disciplines I've read so far. One major down side is that, obviously, it is mostly geared to men. Some chapters are universal disciplines, but are written about from man's perspective, and some chapters are specifically for men. That being said, if you have a father, a son, a husband, or really just any man, this book is a must read on the disciplines that God expects of you. More at [...]

This book easily impacted me. It’s deeply convicting, incredibly practical, and centered on becoming a mature Christian in every area of life — prayer, purity, leadership, discipline, marriage, character, all of it. I honestly think every Christian man should read this book at some point. It doesn’t just inspire you; it pushes you toward real growth.

I bought this book for my husband because he had been struggling to go to the next level with God. He has a calling in his life. He knows the Lord, loves the Lord, and worships Him, but he had not yet developed a deep and true connection. I can already see so many changes in his life, in our marriage, and in his walk with Jesus after reading this book. This book mainly teaches men how to discipline themselves in many areas of life, including marriage, fatherhood, raising children, prayer, friendships, spiritual growth, and much more. I recommend all men to read this book, especially those preparing for marriage, those struggling in their growth with God, and those who teach or preach. It is a powerful guide for spiritual discipline, leadership, and becoming a godly husband, father, and man of faith.

Beautifully written in the language and context that connect with the way men think and approach the challenges of life. There’s no way around discipline but through the door of Gods amazing grace. Reading this book with our men’s small group has been life changing.

This is a fantastic read if you are actively pursuing a life more obedient to God. I’ll say there are a lot of truths in here that are like a punch in the gut, very convicting and eye opening. If you are open to really examining yourself, your actions, and activities in truth, this book is for you. I’ve read it through and now I’m about to go back and read it for a second time with a pen and journal!

Unlike so many others this book not only points to issues it offers solutions. This book sticks to the topics with no sidebars. A refreshing change in Christian literature.

Disciplines of a Godly Man has really impacted me. It’s one of those books that doesn’t just give you information, it makes you reflect deeply on who you are and who you’re becoming as a man of God. What stood out the most to me was how it talks about the importance of marriage, fatherhood, and being a leader. It reminded me that these roles aren’t just responsibilities, they’re God-given callings. The way the author breaks things down really challenged me to look at how I’m showing up in my home, in my faith, and in the way I lead. This book doesn’t sugarcoat anything. It pushes you to grow. It made me think about areas in my life where I’ve gotten too comfortable or passive, and how much more intentional I need to be in pursuing God and leading my family. I honestly recommend this book to every man, whether you’re newly walking with God or have been for years. It’s real, biblical, and full of practical insight that we all need.

Probably one of the most convicting and helpful books I have read this year, or even in general. This book has been on my “to be read” list for a very long time, and I only decided to pick it up and read it because of a passing joke from my wife that spurred me into action. I read this book alongside my father-in-law and it was a great time of mutual spiritual “gut-punches”. I highly recommend this book to any man who aspires to be a godly man. “None of us is inherently righteous, none of us naturally seeks God or is reflexively good. Therefore, as children of grace, our spiritual discipline is everything.”

Awesome and helpful book!!

Es gibt schon viele Bücher zu Lifstyle, Lebensberatung, Mentoring, Führung...aber meistens so viel Schrott und Mischmasch, zumindest im deutschen Sprachraum. Aber das Buch hier, ist das beste was ich je gelesen habe! Also ich finde es sollte jeder, am besten schon im Teenagealter mal lesen bzw. gelesen haben, da sowas in unserer Gesellschaft und auch teilweise Familie einfach nicht mehr vorgelebt wird oder gelehrt wird (es gibt aber auch noch eine Version für Junge Leute, bin aber selber Student und bin über glücklich dieses Buch gefunden zu haben!). Also wenn du keine Ahnung hast, was einen perfekten..einen göttlichen, einen voll maskulinen Mann ausmacht, schmeiss Men's Health weg, das hier ist das Ultimative, mit allem drum und dran. Also mein Leben hat es von Grund auf verändert und ist immer noch in Arbeit. Habe schon einige davon weitergegeben an Geschwister und Freunde...ich sag nur BESTE BESTE BESTE!

Good book with good messages

Brilliant

Book was shipped without damage . Nice high quality feel book