Pursuing HolinessExemplo

Means of Grace and Spiritual Disciplines

There are an abundance of lists, articles, books and programs available to promote spiritual disciplines. Many are biblically based and focused on Christ, but sadly syncretism has taken a foothold in this area. There are a number of extra-biblical or even counterfeit practices that appear Christian on the surface but find their foundations in eastern mysticism, New Age beliefs and occult practices. We should avoid disciplines endeavoring to exalt man and diminish God or seeking to open us up to false gods and unclean spirits. 

In addition to eastern mysticism, western individualism has also been influential, and the spiritual disciplines promoted often take on a “just me and God” flavor, neglecting spiritual formation in the body. Biblically, many of the means God employs for sanctification involves being in community. Jesus did not call us out of the world, but we are being made holy even in the crucible of a corrupt and dying world. We are not made to be hidden hermits shielding ourselves from any temptation. Staying away from other people will not make us holy. In fact, we take our largest source of sin with us everywhere we go – our own hearts. 

It is helpful for us to consider as spiritual disciplines the activities that the Bible states or suggests will result in increased holiness. For example, in the High Priestly Prayer of John 17, Jesus petitions the Father “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” Therefore, we can conclude that studying the Bible is a proper spiritual discipline. 

We can be obedient to God’s commands in a variety of ways, like practicing kindness by helping an old lady cross the street, but if we elevate every obedience as a spiritual discipline, there is nothing special about biblically mandated means of grace such as prayer and sitting under the preaching of God’s Word. 

Then there are things such as “journaling” that in itself is not a spiritual discipline. It certainly takes discipline to journal every day, but the Bible says nothing about journaling impacting the Christian’s life. However, suppose you are actually reading and meditating on Scripture, holding the Word up as a mirror for self-examination, praying, confessing, and praising God. In that case, this habit helps to form Christ in you. 

Likewise, one can meditate on a single syllable, clearing the mind like a Buddhist practicing a false religious exercise to rid one of self and become one with the divine universe. Or one can meditate day and night on the law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2) and be built up in faith. 

One can even read the Bible daily or pray but do so just to check a box. They will experience little sanctification. We are not transformed by a task. There is no work that can renew our minds. The transformative element in spiritual disciplines is not the discipline itself - it is the work of the Triune God to conform his people “to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). It is helpful to categorize God’s means of sanctifying grace into listening to his voice through his word, prayer and the life of the body. 

We access God’s Word by reading and studying, meditating and memorizing, and submitting and applying. We can supplement these habits by reading Christian books, attending classes and lectures, and listening to sermons and podcasts. 

As we cultivate a life of prayer, displaying our dependence on God, we should pray privately and corporately and be willing to incorporate fasting into our lives. One way we can grow in prayer is to use the prayers of Scripture as models as to how we pray. 

The life of the body is a critical venue for encouragement and challenge as we grow in holiness. There are no solitary Christians, and it is in the local church that we participate in corporate worship, sit under the preached word, practice the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, submit to church discipline, engage in the “one anothers” and serve together. 

Reflection Questions

Have you practiced any of the above disciplines? Which ones have been helpful for you?

Are you more naturally attracted to individual or corporate means of growth? Why might it be good to seek balance? 

How might it be helpful to stick to God’s revealed means of grace to grow in holiness?