Pursuing Spiritual Discipline
Just the other day, someone asked me about the Spiritual Disciplines with a desire to pursue them better. I’ve mentioned them a few times recently in sermons, so I thought I’d publish a quick blog expanding on the answer I gave them. I hope this can be helpful to you as you strive toward sanctification, the goal of the Christian life.
While there are a variety of lists of spiritual disciplines, and I’m sure they all have merit, the one I’ve preferred for many years is found in Donald Whitney’s book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. It’s one of the most practical books I’ve ever read when it comes to pursuing spiritual growth. The only “problem” with it is that it can be overwhelming to read as every discipline is worthy of pursuit. Read through the disciplines here, then look at the suggestion for incorporating them into your life. You don’t need the book to get started, but along the way, get a copy, and read a chapter at a time. Don’t feel obligated to read the entire book right away.
Here are the 10 Disciplines briefly explained:
1. SCRIPTURE INTAKE
We take the word into our lives in five primary ways:
1. Hearing - mostly Sunday morning sermon, Bible studies, etc.
2. Reading - we need to read on our own. Have a reading plan.
3. Studying - you won’t do this daily, but this takes reading to the next level and really digs into a passage.
4. Memorizing - planting the Word in your heart so it’s always with you.
5. Meditating - where the memorized Word really takes hold of you as you contemplate what it says and means.
These five are “progressive” in that they build on one another.
• You start with a commitment to hear the word - be in worship - hearing the word taught each week. Be in Bible Study, etc.
• Then, on your own, begin reading. Read daily. Read with a purpose, whether it’s a read through the Bible in a year plan, or reading one specific book daily for a month.
• You also need to go deep on occasion. Really get into a particular passage, chapter, or book. You won’t be able to do this daily, hopefully weekly, or at least monthly. Take an hour or more to just study a passage. Use commentaries, etc.
• Memorizing - planting the Word in your heart. This will take daily effort and a LOT of discipline, but is SO worth it.
• Meditating - memorization is the key to meditation. Let the Word saturate your mind and heart and it WILL affect your hand (your actions)
2. PRAYER - focused, intentional prayer with a plan. Map through what you’re going to pray for. Keep track of who and what. Follow up, etc.
3. WORSHIP - we worship with our whole lives, but need to be intentional in gathering with our church family to worship.
4. EVANGELISM - rarely will sharing the gospel with someone “just happen.” You start with learning HOW to share the gospel. Then, you program yourself to keep opportunities “on the radar” all the time.
5. SERVING - we serve Christ through serving in the church. This is something we need to do for our own good, for the good of the Body, and to be obedient. God gave you a gift with the purpose of serving the church.
6. STEWARDSHIP - It’s more than (but not less than) giving money. It’s giving of our finances, time, talents, passions, etc.
7. FASTING - primarily from food, but can include other things.
8. SILENCE & SOLITUDE - this is hard to come by in our day and age. Just get away from the chaos and focus on God.
9. JOURNALING - there is much value in keeping a journal. One thing it does is it forces you to focus and fully develop what you’re thinking, especially as you study Scripture. And it keeps a record of your disciplines.
10. LEARNING - always be intentional to be learning more. The Bible instructs us to grow in knowledge, discernment, discipline, etc. We have to actually LEARN to be doing that.
Getting Started with the Disciplines:
I say, start on the first three:
• Bible Intake (hear, read, study, memorize, meditate)
• Prayer
• Worship
Then, slowly add the others as you grow in your discipline. It will require re-adjusting some priorities and setting some things aside.
But the benefit (return-on-investment) is phenomenal. Most people would probably do best to work on the first three for a couple of months, then add others no more than one each month as you’re ready to weave more into your rhythm and routine.
Begin with disciplining your Sunday mornings to rarely, if ever, miss your Sunday morning worship service, where you’ll HEAR the Word. This is the most important input of God’s Word you’ll have all week as your pastor preaches with you, and the rest of the congregation, in mind. The Holy Spirit uses him to proclaim the Lord’s truth to you where you’re at.
Then, figure out how to add regular daily BIBLE READING and PRAYER into your schedule. Come up with a bible reading plan (ask your pastor for a recommendation) and make a prayer list. Include the brothers and sisters you go to church with on your list in some way.
As you think about WORSHIP, remember that it’s how we live our lives, but it’s also what you set aside time to do every Sunday morning when you gather with God’s people to praise, exalt, and learn from Him. How can you prepare your heart for worship? Remember that Sunday morning really begins on Saturday night when you make sure you’ll be ready for worship. Set out your Bible, clothes, and anything else you need. Know what you’ll eat for Breakfast. Read through the sermon passage just before going to bed. What time to you need to leave so that you can arrive early? Showing up early is encouraging to your church leadership and to others. It also allows you to welcome and greet others and spend some time in fellowship before the service begins. You can then be ready for a stress free beginning for the time of worship. Fully engage in each element of the service. Do all you can to eliminate distractions (maybe even leave your phone in your car?). Have a pen handy to jot down a few notes during the sermon. Pay attention to the words of the songs - how do they proclaim gospel truths? Before you leave, make a point to encourage someone, perhaps ask them how you can be praying for them (then write down on your prayer list).
And remember - all of this is done with the goal of glorifying the Lord in your attitudes and actions and when you do that, there absolutely WILL be a distinct, direct, spiritual benefit to you.
May the Lord graciously help you as you pursue Him with greater diligence and discipline. Remember: while salvation is a monergistic act (only one “actor,” The Lord, is at work), sanctification/spiritual growth is synergistic. There are two “actors,” the Lord and YOU working together. You can’t do it without the Lord, but you must make effort (2 Peter 1:5 – Now for this very reason [because of the gospel] also, applying all diligence) toward it as well. Throw your full energy, passion, and energy into sanctification, basking in the joy that comes from it.
Grace and Peace!
Pastor Rob