Guided by the wisdom of thinkers like James K.A. Smith, Dallas Willard, Tim Keller, and C.S. Lewis, we’ll explore how these ancient practices can radically alter the course of our lives, leading us into deeper intimacy with God.
By Dr. Tim Orr
In a world that moves at the speed of light, where notifications, deadlines, and distractions constantly vie for our attention, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and spiritually adrift. The omnipresence of smartphones and the pressure to be always connected have left many of us feeling fragmented and restless. We scroll through endless feeds, checking messages and notifications, only to find our souls increasingly disoriented and our lives cluttered with noise. Amid this whirlwind, we often find ourselves longing for something deeper that grounds us and gives meaning to the chaos. This is where spiritual discipline steps in—not as a restrictive set of rules but as a lifeline to the heart of God.
Imagine spiritual disciplines as the anchor that holds a ship steady in a stormy sea, allowing us to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and purpose. Through the practices of prayer, meditation, fasting, and worship, we begin to experience a transformation that goes beyond mere behavior modification—it’s a reshaping of our very souls. Guided by the wisdom of thinkers like James K.A. Smith, Dallas Willard, Tim Keller, and C.S. Lewis, we’ll explore how these ancient practices can radically alter the course of our lives, leading us into deeper intimacy with God.
In his book "You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit," James K.A. Smith argues that our habits and practices are not merely neutral actions but formative. He uses the illustration of a mall, describing it as a modern-day cathedral that shapes our desires. When we walk through a mall, we are not just shopping—we are being disciplined into a certain vision of the good life, one defined by consumerism and materialism. Smith suggests that in the same way, spiritual disciplines are practices that form us into the image of Christ.
Consider the story of a young professional who found herself constantly striving for success and recognition. Her daily routine was marked by a relentless pursuit of career advancement, fueled by the subtle liturgies of the corporate world. It wasn't until she began to incorporate spiritual disciplines into her life—specifically, the practice of Sabbath rest—that she realized how much her work had shaped her identity. By setting aside one day a week to rest and reflect on God’s provision, she began to recalibrate her desires, finding her identity not in what she did but in who she was in Christ.
Dallas Willard, a leading voice on spiritual formation, provides a comprehensive understanding of spiritual disciplines in his works, particularly in "The Spirit of the Disciplines." He likens spiritual disciplines to the training regimen of an athlete preparing for a marathon. An athlete don't simply show up on race day and expect to perform well; they undergo rigorous training to prepare their body for the endurance required. In the same way, spiritual disciplines prepare us for the challenges and opportunities of the Christian life.
An illustration of this can be seen in the life of an Olympic athlete. Think of Eric Liddell, the Scottish runner, and missionary immortalized in the film "Chariots of Fire." Liddell's life exemplified the balance between discipline and devotion. His dedication to both his athletic training and his spiritual practices demonstrated how discipline in one area of life can inform and strengthen discipline in another. Even during the Olympic Games, Liddell refused to run on a Sunday, adhering to his spiritual discipline of honoring the Sabbath. His commitment to this practice shaped his athletic career and made a profound statement about where his ultimate allegiance lay.
Tim Keller, in his book "Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God," underscores the importance of spiritual discipline, particularly prayer, in cultivating a vibrant relationship with God. Keller shares the story of a couple in his church who, after a crisis in their marriage, began to practice the discipline of praying together every day. Initially, it was awkward and difficult—they were unsure of what to say and how to pray together. But over time, this daily practice became the cornerstone of their relationship, fostering a new level of intimacy and trust.
This couple's experience illustrates Keller's point that spiritual disciplines are means through which we encounter the living God; through this encounter, we are changed. Prayer, in this context, is not just about asking for things; it is about experiencing God’s presence and allowing that experience to transform us. As the couple continued to pray together, they found that their prayers became less about changing each other and more about seeking God’s will for their marriage. This shift in focus brought a deeper sense of unity and purpose in their relationship.
C.S. Lewis offers a different but complementary perspective on spiritual disciplines, emphasizing their role in shaping our desires and directing us toward true joy. In his classic work "Mere Christianity," Lewis uses the illustration of a car designed to run on gasoline. He explains that humans are designed to run on God, and when we try to fuel our lives with anything else, we inevitably break down. Spiritual disciplines are the practices that keep us running on the right fuel.
A personal story that reflects Lewis's insight is that of a man who, after years of chasing worldly success and pleasure, found himself empty and disillusioned. He had spent his life pursuing what he thought would bring happiness—money, power, and recognition—only to realize that these things left him feeling more hollow than ever. It wasn't until he began to practice spiritual disciplines like prayer, scripture reading, and service that he discovered a deeper, more lasting joy. Through these practices, he learned to redirect his desires toward God, finding fulfillment not in what he achieved but in who he was becoming in Christ.
Incorporating spiritual disciplines into our lives requires intentionality and a commitment to ongoing growth. Here are a few ways we can practically engage in spiritual disciplines:
As we stand on the cusp of a new season, with its inevitable challenges and opportunities, the call to embrace spiritual discipline beckons us like a whisper in the chaos. It’s not about adding another item to our to-do list or achieving spiritual perfection. Instead, it's an invitation to embark on a transformative journey, one that aligns our hearts with the rhythm of God’s grace. Think of it as tuning an instrument; the more we practice, the more attuned we become to the melody of God's voice in our daily lives.
Spiritual disciplines are the tools that refine our hearts, recalibrate our desires, and anchor us in the unshakeable reality of God's love. They are the practices that help us disconnect from the world's noise and reconnect with the divine. As we incorporate these practices into our daily rhythm, we’ll find ourselves surviving the storm and thriving in it, becoming beacons of light in a world desperately in need of hope. So, let us embrace this journey with open hearts, trusting that as we do, we’ll discover the peace, power, and purpose that come from living a life fully surrendered to God.