Have you ever wondered why some believers seem to have a deeper connection with God than others? Do you feel like you’ve ever been fooled after drawing conclusions about someone else’s walk with God only to see their more human side make them appear to be a hypocrite?
The depths of growth and the multiple facets of the Christian walk are certainly difficult to discern in other’s lives, but even more so if we are not walking with the spirit and exercising the spiritual disciplines in our own lives.
Why judge you may ask? Well, it is made clear in scripture that we may know the tree by it’s fruit. We are not the arbiters of final judgement but we are directed to be discerning of the human character and of the spirits we encounter in this world.
The Christian engages in the spiritual disciplines to grow in the spirit and serve in the Lord’s kingdom with wisdom and insight into the things of God.
We dive into the spiritual disciplines because they are important for the believers spiritual growth and development in Godliness and righteousness.
What are the spiritual disciplines?
Discipline to some extent can be found in the human nature by engaging in a degree of training toward a specific goal. The spiritual disciplines are training for which we develop our spiritual character and spiritual life.
Donald S. Whitney outlines in his book “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life” the following disciplines for the Christian life and development:
- Learning
- Scripture reading
- Prayer
- Worship
- Scripture meditation
- Evangelism
- Serving
- Stewardship of time and money
- Scripture application
- Fasting
- Silence and solitude
- Journaling
These are disciplines in which we do no matter the feeling. We “wash, rinse, repeat” because they build the consistency for growth and development that is needed for our human nature.
This is important when it comes to emotional health because our emotions are reactive. Disciplines provide the stability and space to process and measure our emotions against truth.
Now, something must be said for the discipline of self-control in this context because it is a fruit of the spirit. We are empowered to have self-control with regards to sin and vices by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We find refuge from our sinful nature in these disciplines when the Spirit is in our lives working to convict and guide our heart and mind.
Have you considered the fruit of the spiritual disciplines? No matter how difficult it may be to execute in these disciplines have you ever experienced the freedom that comes after working hard at a discipline and see the ease in which you live to do a particular task?
Consider the ease in which a master guitar player can play their instrument or an Athlete at the peak of their career can make their sport seem effortless and incredibly enjoyable. Now consider the ease and peace in which you can live your spiritual life given you’ve spent the time and effort studying the scriptures and memorizing God’s word.
It is with this perspective that you should consider Psalm 119:11
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.Psalm 119:11
Take a moment. Reflect on the disciplines that you feel may come hard for you. Surrender them to God. Seek his help. He is not angry that you struggle. He is gracious and loving and will honor your efforts to spend time with him and honor him.