The answer
Disciplining of the mind broadly incorporates overcoming the snares of the world. "In the world, you will have tribulations, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). One cannot overcome the world alone; but has to:- Allow the Lord Jesus Christ to overcome the worldly inside you.
- Never allow yourself to lose hope, nor leave your spiritual life unattended. Keep your prayers fervent.
- Never be wise in your own eyes, nor lean on your own understanding. In your prayers and spiritual life, let God not yourself or personal wisdom be the center of your attention.
- Submit yourself to God in quietness, putting Him first in your life.
- Prioritize your goals in life, putting the spiritual ones first. Remember: your goals will determine the content of your spiritual life.
- Seek God’s mercy. Make Him the only means of achieving success. Do you love God as much as He loves you? Do you seek Eternity?
"The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands He has rewarded me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not done evil by turning from my God. All His laws are before me; I have not turned away from His decrees. I have been blameless before Him and have kept myself from sin. The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in His sight."In these verses, David is not being boastful of sinless perfection. After all, he was a human being like us. Rather, they are a claim that in the midst of all trouble and tribulation, he devoted himself, heart and life, to the service of the Lord. This in itself is a manifestation of godliness and discipline of the mind. Thus was David rewarded for his spirituality; bearing the fruit of God's gracious work in his heart.
Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)