Mastering Discipline: Spiritual disciplines to master and new ones to practice

Pastor Art Snow • May 30, 2022

Mastering Discipline: Spiritual disciplines to master and new ones to practice

It is always a daunting task to write on the “Spiritual Disciplines”, so much has been written over the years that challenge the Christian to knowing God better through the avenue of a disciplined spiritual walk with God. Allow me to begin with a Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:6-8

In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

It always amazes me how much time effort and money people put into exercise, gyms, power drinks, while often giving little attention to their spiritual health. Of course many do both taking nothing away from them, but on the other hand some do not. 

When I think of the great monumental books written on this subject four come to mind, I will highlight something from each of these volumes. 

First Richard Foster’s classic work “Celebration of Discipline” Foster divides the disciples into three categories: The Inward Disciplines, The Outward Disciplines and The Corporate Disciplines. 

The Inward Disciplines are: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, and Study 

The Outward Disciplines are: Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, and Service 

The Corporate Disciplines are: Confession, Worship, Guidance, and Celebration

When I think of this list the ones I feel are often neglected are Confession and Guidance, while the Bible has much to say about both:

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. James 5:16

Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed. Proverbs 15:22

Particularly in America we see our spiritual lives as very individual and personal, while in other cultures they are oriented much more as a community. There is much power in both confession and guidance. We may be the wealthiest nation on earth, but maybe we can learn a few spiritual lessons from other cultures. 

My second book is by Dallas Willard entitled “The Spirit of the Disciplines”. Regarded by Richard Foster as; “The book of the decade.” Willard breaks the disciples into two categories: Disciplines of Abstinence and Disciplines of Engagement.

Disciplines of Abstinence: Solitude, Silence, Fasting, Frugality, Chastity, Secrecy, and Sacrifice 

Disciplines of Engagement: Study, Worship, Celebration, Service, Prayer, Confession and Submission

When I think of Willards distinctions I think of our bodies that are not our own but were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). In the disciplines of Abstinence we are bringing our bodies under the control of the Holy Spirit whose temple we are. In the disciplines of Engagement we are offering our bodies to The Body of Christ. Today consider your body and surrender it to God for His purposes. 

In his outstanding work entitled “Conformed to His Image: Biblical and Practical Approaches to Spiritual Formation” Kenneth Boa sees the disciplines as a diamond with 12 facets:

I particularly connect with Facet 1: Relational Spirituality; Loving God Completely, Ourselves Correctly and others Compassionately.  Often we can not love others compassionately because we have not learned to love ourselves correctly and God completely. Both of these take a lot of prayer, and daily effort, but once you set these two in motion it is much easier to love others how we were designed to by God. 

My final selection is a book I just discover a couple of years ago entitled “Silencio: Reflective Practices for Nurturing Your Soul.” What I love about this book is all the new disciplines I had not been exposed to in the past. I have used this book as a guide into new pathways to my spiritual journey. The Disciplines are broken into 6 categories: Practices, Postures, Companionship, Creativity, Service, and Seasons. Allow me to highlight a few from each category:

Practices: Examen, Personal Retreat, Confession, Praying the Psalms, Holy Eating

Postures: Detachment, Attentiveness, Embracing Mystery, Seasons of the Soul

Companionship: Spiritual Friendship, Broken and Whole, Withholding Judgment, Hospitality

Creativity: Spaciousness, Art and Soul, Play, Self-Care, Creation

Service: Generosity, Receptivity, Reformation of the Soul, Vocation/Calling

Seasons: Lent, Pentecost, Christmas Presence, Ordinary Time, Advent Longing, Epiphany 

Hopefully you were challenged by some new disciplines as well. Finding new ways of connection with God keeps our walk with him fresh on a daily basis. Spend time in some well worn paths and discover some new ones, but by all means stay close to Jesus every day going higher up and further in. 

Pastor Art Snow | May 30, 2022

Edited and Adapted for Web Use by: Eric Muñoz Jr.