What is the concept of a "spiritual discipline"?
The Devotional Answer
A spiritual discipline is an intentional, regular practice that places you in a position where God can work on your heart. They are less about earning God's favor and more about clearing the clutter in your life so you can hear and respond to Him better.
Think of it like training for a marathon: the training doesn't earn you the race, but it makes you fit enough to run it. Prayer, Bible reading, and corporate worship are ways you train your spirit.
When you discipline yourself, you are devotionally declaring that God is worth your time and that you desire His strength more than the world's comforts.
The Simple Answer
A spiritual discipline is a voluntary, intentional practice that a Christian engages in to develop godliness and become more like Jesus Christ.
The goal of the disciplines is not religious legalism but spiritual transformation. They are methods of self-training that create space for the Holy Spirit to transform your character.
The disciplines are typically divided into two categories:
Inward Disciplines: Focused on personal time with God (e.g., Prayer, Study, Meditation, Fasting).
Outward Disciplines: Focused on relationships with others (e.g., Worship, Service, Confession, Submission).
The Deeper Dive
The concept of spiritual discipline is rooted in the New Testament command to pursue holiness.
1. The Biblical Command to Train
The Apostle Paul used athletic imagery to urge Timothy to focus on training:
"Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." — 1 Timothy 4:7b-8 (NIV)
This "training" (discipline) is necessary because your soul, like your body, grows lazy and weak without intentional exercise. The goal is godliness—becoming like God in character.
2. Disciplines as "Means of Grace"
It is essential to understand what disciplines do not do. They do not earn you salvation or make God love you more (as we discussed with Unworthiness in Question 36). Salvation is solely by grace. Instead, they are called "means of grace" because they are the channels through which the Holy Spirit often communicates and empowers you.
For example:
Bible Reading: Puts you in the path of hearing God's instructions.
Prayer: Fosters an intimate communication with God (Question 28).
Fasting: Trains your spirit to control your body's desires and rely on God.
3. Jesus as the Model
Jesus Himself practiced disciplines. He often retreated to pray alone (Mark 1:35), He fasted for forty days (Matthew 4:2), and He worshipped in the synagogue. By following His example, we become more obedient disciples.
God’s Assurance
God assures you that every step you take toward Him through discipline will be rewarded by intimacy and a harvest of righteousness.
"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit." — Romans 8:5 (ESV)
You are assured that dedicating your mind and time to the things of the Spirit will naturally lead to a life of peace and godly character.
Your Takeaway Thought
Don't try to master all the spiritual disciplines at once. Start small and start consistently. Commit to just ten dedicated minutes of prayer and Bible reading every single day.
Consistency is far more important than intensity. These simple, intentional habits will be the foundation upon which the Holy Spirit builds a strong, mature faith in your life.
