Spiritual Disciplines Introduction

 


11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 English Standard Version

I arrived at Fort Leonard Wood in 1981, an ill-disciplined overweight long-haired young man. Growing up in the 60s and 70s, I had always thought being a soldier was a cool thing. My father, grandfathers, and all my uncles had served in the military at one time or another. Despite my warm feelings toward military service, nothing really prepared me for the level of discipline required to be a good soldier. But I preserved and graduated from Basic Training. Surprisingly, I went on to make the military a career, eventually earning my commission and attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring. Along the way, I developed the military habits of discipline which served me well as a soldier and often as a civilian. I have also found that in some ways they help me in my spiritual walk. But there is a key difference. My military discipline was a key component in earning promotion. Spiritual disciplines do not, I repeat do not, earn us our salvation. Only Jesus’ work at the cross earns us salvation. The spiritual disciplines, properly applied in our daily walk help us by putting us in a position, or place, where God can work on us.

So, what are the spiritual disciplines? There are various lists; but, here is my list of the traditional spiritual disciplines: Bible Reading and Study, Prayer and Meditation, Fasting, Fellowship, Stewardship, Worship, Confession, Gratitude, Rest, and Simplicity. There are others; however, I wanted to keep the list short. Over the next few weeks, we will take the time to consider spiritual disciplines and how they impact our walk with the Lord and our daily interactions with others. Properly executed, Spiritual Disciplines help us in our daily lives and our witness to the world around us.

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. I Corinthians 9:24-27

I find it interesting that Paul uses an athletic competition as a metaphor. Led by the Holy Spirit, he paints a picture that crosses time and space to impact us today. All of us can either imagine or identify with an athlete preparing for competition. As an athlete engages in disciplined activities, Paul encourages us to do the same. We just need to remember that spiritual disciplines do not save or somehow earn us God’s good favor.

18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. II Corinthians 3:18

When we engage in one of the spiritual disciplines, we open ourselves up to the Lord, asking Him to minister to us. We set aside time to devote to Him. And in doing so, we admit that we need Him more than we need temporal things. You’ll notice that in this passage, Paul uses passive voice, “…are being transformed…” We do not transform ourselves. The spiritual disciplines do not earn us higher status. They do not make us more saved or elevate us spiritually. They simply put us in a place where God can work on us to His glory. They help us engage with God and put our feet on the path of a spiritual journey in which God changes us as we walk along the path.

I hope that in the coming weeks you will enjoy exploring the spiritual disciplines with me. Some, I’ve practiced regularly. Others, I rarely practice. Perhaps, together we can put ourselves in a position where we can behold the Lord, with unveiled face, and find ourselves changed into better men. That is my hope and prayer.



Thought Questions:

1. Do you consider yourself a disciplined person, why or why not?

2. What role does discipline play in your current walk with the Lord?

3. How do you feel about discipline?

4. What keeps you from being disciplined?

5. Which of the spiritual disciplines listed would you like to increase in your life?


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