I would like to begin a series of posts/discussions on the “spiritual disciplines” for the purpose of learning together how we as Christians do as 1 Peter 3:18 says “grow in grace”.

Over the next months I’d like to discuss the various practices and exercises that we can “do” that help us in the process of transformation in Christ-likeness. These disciplines include things such as prayer, fasting, Scripture reading/meditation/memorization, solitude, celebration, service, and more. They range from personal exercises to things that we do together.

But, first what are spiritual disciplines?

Discipline – any activity that we can do by direct effort that will help us to do what cannot now be done by direct effort alone.

My favorite way of explaining this is that if I want to be able to lift 300lbs (which I cannot now do) I would have to begin doing exercises that I can do In the Valley of Elah dvdrip that would enable me to one day be able to lift 300lbs.

Spiritual Discipline – an intentionally directed action by which we do what we can do in order to receive from God the ability of power to do what we cannot do by direct effort.

It is a misconception to think that as a Christian we will instantly have the inner character that God wants us to have (love, joy, peace, patience, etc.). And unfortunately many times Christians, knowing they should have at least some of these character traits, focus their efforts on trying to be patient or trying to love their enemy or neighbor. But the reality is that these fruit do not come by our “direct effort” or “trying” they come as a result of what Paul calls “training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

The goal of the spiritual disciplines is not to become masters of them, it is to place ourselves before God as “living sacrifices” so that He can transform us and give us the power to live the life He has called us to live. There is no exhaustive list of spiritual disciplines as virtually anything can become one as long as it points us towards the goal of transformation.

So as we begin this series, a few questions:

What spiritual disciplines do you practice?

download Afro Samurai: Resurrection

Which do you have trouble practicing?

How have spiritual disciplines helped you to grow?

Which would you like to learn more about?