In the pursuit of spiritual growth and sanctification, faithful Christians have practiced various disciplines (some outlined in scripture more clearly than others) throughout the centuries.
Unfortunately in our modern self-help culture, providing a list of spiritual disciplines is often read as another thing to add to the long list of healthy habits that we should be doing more consistently.
The truth is much more powerful.
It is only those who firmly grasp the concept of being saved by faith and not works who can rightly understand and practice the disciplines of the Christian life—not out of some overwrought need to justify themselves before God, but because they genuinely see their salvation as so precious and their lives as so costly bought, that they desire obedience and relationship with the God who saved them.
So let not your heart be troubled by another list. Jesus truly did promise a yoke that is easy and light, while also lovingly offering us the means to connect with Him and grow into His likeness.
So, with those caveats addressed, let’s examine these opportunities God has given us, and consider the areas in which we may need further growth.
1. Engaged Study of the Bible
Bible-believing Christians (a purposefully redundant phrase) have the joyful opportunity to know God through the faithful reading, listening, studying, memorization, and application of His written Word.
Immersing oneself in scripture that is breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16) is a surefire way to become more like Him.
Being in the Word causes us to know the Truth so well that error stands out blatantly. It’s why people learning to recognize counterfeit money spend most of their time studying the real thing.
Our study of God’s Word also provides the fuel for the other disciplines we are encouraged to employ. Things such as…
2. Prayer
Intercession, confession, thanksgiving, rejoicing, adoration—when 1 Thessalonians 5:17 commands us to “pray without ceasing,” these are the things we are being encouraged to do…continually.
Much like other disciplines, prayer requires an investment of time. It is a habit that must be personally cultivated first and foremost, and in corporate settings it is a time that needs to be set aside and prioritized.
That said, Prayer is always time well spent:
“Consider that thy time is short, and that business and company must not be allowed to rob thee of thy God.”
—Adoniram Judson on Prayer
3. Passionate Worship
God’s Word and prayer should provide ample opportunity for us to worship as we become increasingly aware of God’s greatness in comparison to deepest needs.
After all, His worthiness to be worshiped is the fuel to the fire of our worship.
Our worship of God is more than just singing and music. When approached as a habit of life, worship becomes a transformative discipline, shaping our attitudes, perspectives, and priorities as we consider the myriad reasons we have to bow down before our Creator.
4. Fasting
Fasting, often misunderstood and routinely underused, is a profound act of self-discipline that removes the distraction of food and replaces it with a hunger for holiness and a desire to hear from God.
Unfortunately, the questions of “how often?” or “for how long?” are typically the only ones asked when it comes to fasting. The better question for us in this modern day may be “why aren’t we?”
Moses fasted. David fasted. Jesus fasted. Paul fasted. (Deuteronomy 9:9, 2 Samuel 12:22, Luke 4:1, Acts 9:9)
What time or season might we be entering where we could do the same? To what purpose could you invest your time spent eating for a day?
5. Evangelism
Evangelism is the natural result of a life that has been transformed by the gospel.
…and it’s also a discipline that we must commit ourselves to practice.
The simple fact of the matter is that if we are going to share Christ with others, we have to actually get out there and do it—through genuine conversations, acts of love, and with a heart that is continually being prepared to share the reason for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15).
As we evaluate the health of our own walk and how we might spur fellow believers in our local church onward to love and good works, now is not the time to be discouraged because we haven’t fasted, or haven’t been in prayer as much as we would like.
Instead, now is the time to joyfully encourage one another toward greater love for Christ through the means He has given us. Not out of some misplaced works-based righteousness, but out of faith-filled love for our Savior.
These are not boxes to check, these are opportunities for us to be in God’s presence—the very place we are promised “fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).
To those who want a greater infusion of peace, love, and joy, the disciplines offered to us in God’s Word are a precious gift.
To those who need wisdom, change, and hope, the disciplines God has established are a lifeline.
To all who want to know their Creator, to proclaim and delight in the salvation purchased by Jesus Christ, the disciplines are a delight we are invited to enjoy.
Our God is present and available to us. Right here. Right now.
We only need to come to Him.
Baptist Church Planters exists to help church leaders build healthy disciple-making churches. If you or your church need support or resources to love God and love others, please reach out to us today. We’d love to help.
