Spiritual Disciplines

Jan 5, 2012 by admin    No Comments    Posted under: Blog Archive

Jesus called us not only to believe in him, but also to follow.

“Christianity would be incredibly influential in our culture if Christians consistently lived their faith. The problem is that millions don’t live like Christians-and that’s partially because they don’t know how.”- George Barna

First of, let it be said, there is nothing we can do to earn God’s favor, or obtain a more respectable appearance before God. God’s grace is a gift given freely to all and received by faith. Our righteousness before God is solely based on the merit of Jesus, and not based upon any action or good deed we can do.

However, there are disciplines that help us focus, grow, and mature in our worship of God. We call these Spiritual Disciplines. Like physical exercises, spiritual disciplines help us tone, and strengthen our spiritual muscles (faith).

 “Superficiality is the curse of our age. The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a primary spiritual problem. The desperate need is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people. The classical Disciplines of the spiritual life call us to move beyond surface living into the depths.” –Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline

Scripture does not give us a single and complete list of Spiritual Disciplines. In fact, different authors and scholars have compiled similar yet varying lists of disciplines. This being said, there may be other disciplines you will find in Scripture that are not listed here but result in the same goal, spiritual maturity. And remember, the use of Spiritual Disciplines should not be the destination, but tools used on a journey.

Prayer: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” Romans 12:12. Prayer is at the heart of the inner life with God. Prayer is as simple and direct as a conversation between you and God. Prayer is not a mask worn to become someone else; it should reflect who you are. God listens and cares about you so talk with him. Present your requests, and the needs of others to God.

Scripture Study: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. In prayer we allow God to know us, and search us as we speak to him. However, by studying the Scriptures we are given the opportunity to search the revealed wisdom, character, and actions of God in history. Try setting aside time daily, or weekly to read the scriptures and learn more about God.

Meditation & Memorization: “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you… I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways” Psalm 119:11,15. Meditation and memorization should, were possible, accompany the study of Scripture. The practice of meditation is simply dwelling on, or repeating, a particular passage of Scripture. Memorization is the internalization of Scripture. So next time you study the Scriptures take a moment and meditate on what you read, and challenge yourself to begin memorizing particular passages.

Contemplation: “Be still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. In our busy world quiet times of being and reflecting are often lost. One of the great mysteries of God is that he is always present. Yet, our daily tasks often distract us from sharing and enjoying this reality. Take a moment to be still with God.

 Fasting: “Jesus answered, ‘How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast’” Matthew 9:15. “Fasting is the voluntary denial of an otherwise normal function for the sake of an intense spiritual activity (Richard Foster)” By refraining from food (or at times both food and water) one is stetting aside temporal distractions and needs to seek God. Many Christians choose to use the time of “Lent” the period of 40 days (Monday-Saturday) before Easter to fast every year, adopting modern variations of Scriptural fasting including giving up meat, sweets, or even television. Make it a practice to fast at least once a year and seek God. (Before fasting consider any medical complications, and seek professional medical advice for guidance.)

 Solitude & Silence: “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed” Mark 1:35. In the Gospels we see Jesus make a regular habit of withdrawing himself from the crowds to be alone with God. Much like the discipline of contemplation, solitude and silence separate us from the business of modern life to be with God and enjoy his presence.

 Care for the oppressed: “Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me’” Matthew 25:37-40. Our love for God is expressed through our obedience to him and our love for others. The practice of caring for those in need is not only part of following Jesus, but also works to deepen our faith. Consider ways you can serve those in need.

 Simplicity: “If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” Matthew 6:30-33. “Simplicity is the life of single-hearted devotion to God… Simplicity [is] an inward reality that results in an outward lifestyle (Richard Foster).” Simplicity means not conforming to the materialistic and consumeristic culture which tempts us to feed every desire with the lasted product or service. God is sufficient to meet our every need. Consider simplifying your life as an act of worship to God.

Generosity: “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of Jesus, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” Acts 20:35. Give generously to support and expand that work we do as a church serving those in need.

Corporate Singing:  “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” Psalm 98:4. The music and words allow us to both confess and dwell on the greatness of God. Listen. Enjoy. Sing to God.

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