Pursue Purpose, Not Comfort: A Call to Courage and Discipline

In every generation, students are called to face challenges: some are visible, such as assessments and schedules, while others are more insidious, including fear, anxiety, and self-doubt. These “giants,” both seen and unseen, can feel overwhelming. However, within a Christian educational context, students are reminded that they do not face these battles alone. They walk with the God who declares, “Fear not, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). Yet, despite this truth, many students find themselves stuck as though waiting for a wave of motivation to carry them forward.

The reality, however, is that motivation is unreliable. It ebbs and flows depending on mood, energy, and circumstance. Discipline, on the other hand, is a far more dependable force. It is not rooted in emotion or convenience but in commitment. It is the daily, deliberate choice to prioritise future growth over present comfort.

Jesus himself modelled this unwavering discipline: He prayed when others slept, served when weary, and embraced the cross not out of ease, but out of obedience to His purpose. Discipline was central to His mission, and so, too, must it be for students striving to fulfil their own God-given calling.

This is particularly relevant during the challenging HSC period. Senior students, particularly those currently completing Major Works or preparing for Trial Examinations, are under significant pressure. It is during this season that anxiety often peaks. Students may fear underperformance, judgment, or failure. These are real and valid concerns, but they need not define the path forward.

Scripture offers us a powerful promise: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). This verse speaks directly into the lives of students who are facing pressure. It reminds them that they have been equipped—not with fear—but with the tools of strength, wisdom, and self-control. These tools are sharpened not by waiting until they “feel ready,” but through repeated acts of discipline.

Jonathan Haidt, in his groundbreaking work, The Anxious Generation, explores the rise in anxiety among young people. His research attributes much of this increase to a cultural shift away from independence, real-world challenges, and meaningful work, in favour of digital consumption, social media comparison, and avoidance of discomfort. Haidt notes that children and teens have been “overprotected from real-world experience and under protected from online harms.” This imbalance has created a generation that is anxious not because they are weak, but because their environment has not encouraged resilience.

To reverse this trend, Haidt recommends returning to habits that build agency and resilience. These include limiting passive screen time, increasing physical and outdoor activity, prioritising sleep, and establishing routines that foster personal responsibility. In our college setting, this translates into encouraging students to take ownership of balancing their global use of screens, establish study habits, build consistent routines, and reduce distractions. Even small acts, such as waking up early to revise, choosing flash cards over social media, or committing to complete a practice paper, all begin to rewire the brain toward resilience and calm.

These practices may not feel immediately satisfying, but they form the foundation of long-term strength. When students act with discipline, they slowly shift the focus from the uncertainty of “how they feel” to the assurance of “what they choose.” In doing so, they grow into young people who do not merely survive pressure, but rise through it with grace and courage.

Ultimately, students must be reminded that their purpose is not waiting on the other side of fear; it is discovered in the act of moving forward despite fear. Each disciplined decision is a step toward becoming the person God is calling them to be. And though the results may not be immediate, they can trust that God is working through every faithful effort, both seen and unseen, to shape their future.

In a culture that often prioritises comfort and ease, may students be those who choose purpose: not because it is easy, but because it is worth it.

Linda Hogan
Director of Teaching & Learning K-12