April 15
One Great Discipline
Desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow thereby.
I Peter 2:2 (NKJV)
It is one thing to praise discipline and another to submit to it.
Don Quixote de la Mancha
Nowadays there seems to be a renewed interest in the ancient disciplines, the tried and true ways of yesteryear, and the successful spiritual paths of days gone by. Many in the church see the need to return to these helpful activities—those disciplines that reflect the heart of Christ.
Richard J. Foster agrees with Dr. Dallas Willard, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, that there is a connection between the Spiritual Disciplines and the Good Life. Listen to what Richard J. Foster says:
“If we expect to enter wholeheartedly into the experience of the Spiritual Disciplines, we must understand clearly that these Disciplines open us to the Good Life. Their purpose is not to make life miserable but joyful, not to put us in bondage but to set us free, not to confine but to liberate. ... we cannot see this until we are able to understand how life under God and in His Kingdom is truly good and ultimately fulfilling, as opposed to the “good life” of human invention.”
There are classical descriptions of the Spiritual Disciplines and both Foster and Willard describe these superbly. And yet, a spiritual discipline can be almost anything that will help us become more like Christ. Typically, they take our focus off of self and allow us to place it on God. A short list of some of the better know disciplines might include: fasting, prayer, confession, simplicity, solitude, submission, slowing down, meditation, Bible reading or study, serving, seeking guidance, serving secretly, guidance, and celebrating.
So many good disciplines ... so little time! I guess the issue for many of us is to make time. While we may be unable to schedule one day of solitude a week (wouldn’t that be a great thing!?) we can find the time for the essentials. I really believe this, and I think God will show us how and when—even if we do lead busy lives.
It’s been said that Dallas Willard has pointed to one spiritual discipline above all others. If you can only find time to practice one discipline, this is it: Scripture memory. Feast on the word of God. It will stay with you, resurface at the most important times and transform your life.
Let’s listen to Dallas ... and Peter. Desire the pure milk of the word ... and grow!
Lord, help me find the time to memorize Your word. Even now, I Peter 2:2 seems a great place to start. Open Your word to me, Lord, and put it in my heart. Amen.
One Great Discipline
Desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow thereby.
I Peter 2:2 (NKJV)
It is one thing to praise discipline and another to submit to it.
Don Quixote de la Mancha
Nowadays there seems to be a renewed interest in the ancient disciplines, the tried and true ways of yesteryear, and the successful spiritual paths of days gone by. Many in the church see the need to return to these helpful activities—those disciplines that reflect the heart of Christ.
Richard J. Foster agrees with Dr. Dallas Willard, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, that there is a connection between the Spiritual Disciplines and the Good Life. Listen to what Richard J. Foster says:
“If we expect to enter wholeheartedly into the experience of the Spiritual Disciplines, we must understand clearly that these Disciplines open us to the Good Life. Their purpose is not to make life miserable but joyful, not to put us in bondage but to set us free, not to confine but to liberate. ... we cannot see this until we are able to understand how life under God and in His Kingdom is truly good and ultimately fulfilling, as opposed to the “good life” of human invention.”
There are classical descriptions of the Spiritual Disciplines and both Foster and Willard describe these superbly. And yet, a spiritual discipline can be almost anything that will help us become more like Christ. Typically, they take our focus off of self and allow us to place it on God. A short list of some of the better know disciplines might include: fasting, prayer, confession, simplicity, solitude, submission, slowing down, meditation, Bible reading or study, serving, seeking guidance, serving secretly, guidance, and celebrating.
So many good disciplines ... so little time! I guess the issue for many of us is to make time. While we may be unable to schedule one day of solitude a week (wouldn’t that be a great thing!?) we can find the time for the essentials. I really believe this, and I think God will show us how and when—even if we do lead busy lives.
It’s been said that Dallas Willard has pointed to one spiritual discipline above all others. If you can only find time to practice one discipline, this is it: Scripture memory. Feast on the word of God. It will stay with you, resurface at the most important times and transform your life.
Let’s listen to Dallas ... and Peter. Desire the pure milk of the word ... and grow!
Lord, help me find the time to memorize Your word. Even now, I Peter 2:2 seems a great place to start. Open Your word to me, Lord, and put it in my heart. Amen.
posted by Craig Soderquist at 9:55 AM
<< Home