These people were disciplining themselves for spiritual reasons. But, even there, it was not for the right reason.
This is why a Christian should discipline himself. Remember that Paul admonished Timothy, in II Timothy, that he was going to have to strive according to the rules. If he did not strive according to the rules, then he was not going to be crowned.
How about Paul's own example in I Corinthians 9? He clearly showed that he severely disciplined himself. So severely did he discipline himself that it literally says in the Greek that he gave himself a black eye—like he bruised himself. Paul was hard on himself in order to keep within The Way.
How about Jesus? Did you know that six times it is recorded—in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—that, if you are going to follow Him, you are going to have to deny yourself—discipline yourself—take up your cross, and follow Him.
Right from the Boss, right from one of the chief apostles, right from his own epistles, we find that we have to discipline ourselves. Much of the issue in the book of Colossians had to do with why the Colossians were doing what they were doing. Paul clearly pointed out to them that they were doing what they were doing because of demons—not because of their love and faith in God. It was not enhancing their relationship at all, even though indeed they were disciplining themselves.
