Spiritual Disciplines Part 1

In the first chapter of Whitney's book we are immediately exposed to this truth...

"Discipline without direction is drudgery" (p.13). 

It is important for the Christian to understand that God intends to conform His children to the image of His Son (Rom 8:29). This process is called sanctification (Rom 6-8). It means becoming more like Christ. Growing in Godliness and holiness. I don't think any one bearing the name of a believer would consider this a bad thing. But the sad observation I have with most of the Church today is that there seems to be a lack of understanding among believers about how to grow in Godliness as well as an understanding that it is not merely a good thing but actually it is a command (Heb 12:14, 1 Peter 1:15-16). It is vital. We must pursue holiness! 

It is true that we are unable to make ourselves holy (Rom 8:8). But by the Spirit of God in us we can overcome sin and death. This is the meaning of God's Word when it says "... he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you" (Rom 8:9-11). We walk by the Spirit.

Whitney submits and I find his reasoning without concern, that the way in which the believer actively chooses to obediently pursue holiness is found in Paul's instruction to Timothy (1 Tim 4:7). Where the Scripture is translated here "train yourselves for Godliness" it can also be translated "discipline yourselves for godliness. Whitney maintains that "the only road to Christian maturity and Godliness [...] passes through the practice of the Spiritual Disciplines" (p.14). He encourages his readers that when this is remembered, the Spiritual Disciplines become a delight instead of a drudgery. 

"The Spiritual Disciplines are those personal and corporate disciplines that promote spiritual growth. They are the habits of devotion and experiential Christianity that have been practiced by the people of God since biblical times" (p.15).

The Spiritual Disciplines that will be covered in this book are:

• Bible Intake
• Prayer
• Worship
• Evangelism
• Service
• Stewardship
• Fasting
• Silence
• Solitude
• Journaling
• Learning

These are ways (and there are many more) in which we as believers participate with the Spirit of God in sanctification. "Think of the Spiritual Disciplines as spiritual exercises" (p.16). In any effort one understands that in order to become more effective, one must discipline oneself in practice. Whitney points out that there are three ways in which God uses to transform or conform us to Godliness. These are people (Proverbs 27:17), circumstances (James 1:1-4), and the Spiritual Disciplines. He is quick to note that only one of these are primarily under our control... the Spiritual Disciplines.

There are three main points of application:

• There is danger in neglecting the Spiritual Disciplines 
  

          - by neglecting the Spiritual Disciplines we face the danger of bearing little spiritual fruit.

• There is freedom in embracing the Spiritual Disciplines

          - any one who plays an instrument or plays a sport with excellence has heard... "Man, they make that look easy". But the truth is that the freedom they experience in their execution or demonstration of ability comes as a result of practiced discipline. 

• There is an Invitation to All Christians to Enjoy the Spiritual Disciplines

          - all in whom the Spirit of God dwells are invited to taste the joy of a Spiritual Disciplines lifestyle.

"Discipline without direction is drudgery. But the Spiritual Disciplines are not drudgery as long as we practice with the goal of Godliness in mind" (p.22). 

I pray that this has encouraged you to engage in the practice of growing in Godliness. 

Blessings!