This week, we’ve discussed our strategy of adopting spiritual disciplines to help us become more like Jesus. It’s not through big, show-stopping acts of obedience that we reach out toward him. But it’s the small, daily acts of faith that transform us. Today, let’s develop an action plan for incorporating spiritual habits into our routines.
The Rhythm of Discipline
Step 1: Choose a Practice
The most common disciplines include:
- Fasting (This can be a temporary abstinence from food, television, spending, etc.)
- Rest (Sabbath)
- Prayer
- Meditation (Study of the Scriptures)
- Confession
- Solitude
- Simplicity
- Fellowship
- Service
Thinking about those areas that are particularly troublesome for you, what is one discipline that you would like to incorporate into your life?
Step 2: Action Steps
Make a plan.
- How will you incorporate your chosen practice?
- Will this be a daily or weekly or monthly habit?
- How much time will you spend? (E.g. thirty minutes of study a day, fasting once a week or once a month, etc.)
- Schedule a time for it and put it on your calendar as a regular occurrence.
Step 3: Accountability
- Share your plan and calendar with a friend who is a fellow believer.
- Schedule brief monthly check-in calls (fifteen minutes or so) to update them on your progress.
Watch Week Five
Choose Discipline
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I will start fasting from Social Media on Saturday and Sunday tomorrow.
Good for you Angela! I used to fast (Food fast) from Friday noon to Sat noon every week. It made me feel better. The fast from Social Media is a good plan for me also.
My husband and I are signing up to join a community group through our church.
The challenge for me is being intentionally present with my husband. We have been working on house projects to get ready for a visit from my sister and brother-in-law. My sister has been to this house before but not him. The things we need are simplicity and Sabbath rest. My plan is to solicit my sister’s help in letting go – donate or trash items I no longer use or haven’t used ever or for a long time and for my husband and I to rest after they leave.
I plan to incorporate fasting (food) weekly. I used to do this years ago and seen some amazing spiritual progress in my life and the life of others around me. I felt mentally better when I practiced it. Fasting lead me naturally to more prayer, solitude and meditation. I’m not sure why I stopped the practice.