Cultivating spiritual discipline
Everybody thinks of changing humanity, and nobody thinks of changing himself.
Leo Tolstoy
When my husband and I were house hunting a few years ago, high on our list was a big yard. We bought a house with a nice-sized yard, perfect for gardening and landscaping. There was just one problem…
We both hate gardening and working in the yard.
Visions of beautiful flowers and ripe tomatoes had danced in our heads, but the reality was constant weeding in the hot southern sun, running up the water bill due to drought conditions, moles that ravaged our yard and jobs that kept us too busy. We were willing to start the process, but the upkeep held no interest for us.
Our dreams of a landscaped paradise was turned into the reality of overgrown weeds and dead grass!
Unfortunately, the same can often be said of the spiritual discipline in our lives. We become Christians, sit back and wait for the flowers to bloom. But unless we study, pray, and keep ourselves open to Him, the weeds take over and we become spiritually neglected.
In short, unless we change ourselves, how can we change the world?
Ask yourself two questions: First, what can you do that you are not currently doing, that would bring you into closer communion with God. Second, what can you stop doing that you currently are doing, that would bring you into closer communion with God.
Similar questions, yet opposing answers.
So often we dance around, unable or unwilling to commit to God beyond the minimum. Next week we will look at some of the disciplines that God requires of us… things such as stewardship, solitude and silence, service, prayer, and fellowship.
Have a great weekend!
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