“You have died with Christ, and He has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, ‘Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!’? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.” (Colossians 2:20-23 NLT)
While there are some similarities, there are significant differences between physical and spiritual disciplines. For example, In a similar way as increasing weight and reps in weight lifting can increase physical strength, increasing time and focus when reading Scripture and praying can increase spiritual fervor.
However, while the strength gained lifting weights can make some tasks easier, may increase self-confidence, and even make us feel physically more attractive, all those things essentially center on us, how they make me feel about myself. On the other hand, while spiritual disciplines may, and hopefully will, increase our self-confidence in terms of our usefulness to the Lord, the central purpose of reading and studying the Bible, devoting time to prayer, corporate worship, investment of time and resources in the Body of Christ, the Church, making time for growing together with other like-minded men and women in a small group, fasting, spiritual retreats, and other means of spiritual growth are in their essence more others focused.
In an effort to maintain a strong and healthy body, it demands a balance of effort on many fronts. It’s not enough just to eat right, I must also exercise, get enough rest, stimulate my heart and mind, as well as have times of relaxation and enjoyment. And, as with spiritual disciplines, it’s better and just more fun to do them with others. Yes, of course, devote specific time to being alone with God, but also allow time with likeminded brothers and sisters to grow your faith.
Similarly, when it comes to defeating the unhealthy spiritual habits we have, there are steps to a successful transition. First, we must have a vision or goal. I’ve found it helpful to focus on the positive rather than the negative. How so? If I’m wasting too much time viewing my phone, iPad, computer, TV, magazines, gaming, whatever, to focus on THEM is to defeat the purpose. Focus on what you want to transition into.
For example, let’s say the Lord has let you know you must make spending time in the Bible a priority. If you have a day-planner, whether on your phone or otherwise, block out however much time you decide and make that time sacred. My experience has been you should start small. It’s a lofty goal to set aside an hour, but when you’re first starting out it’s too much.
Now 3-4 hours pass like 10 minutes, but when it’s fresh 10 minutes can seem like an hour. Set a goal of 10-15 minutes, which is about the time it will take you to read 1 or 2 chapters in the Bible if you read slowly and pay attention to what you’re reading. Start in the Gospel of John in the New Testament and when you finish John, go back to Matthew and read straight through the New Testament. The Old Testament is great and needed but stay in the New Testament until your new habit is formed.
Celebrate your victories. After you reach one week of reading every day, reward yourself. An ice cream cone or a steak at your favorite restaurant. Whatever will be a treat for you. Incrementally, increase your time so that after a month or so it’s fifteen to twenty minutes and so forth until you’re finding it disappointing if you have to miss.
There’s a lot more here. Let’s continue this tomorrow.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 