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Thoughts on a book

I just read the first chapter of a book that came highly recommended called "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" by Donald S. Whitney. I'd like to share a few quotes and thoughts on this book that appears to be of great value for anyone desiring to achieve Godliness.

The chapter starts with a quote by V. Raymond Edman: "We need the rugged strength of Christian character that can come only from discipline." What is it that this dead, selfish, and greedy era needs? It needs disciplined Christians who are equipped with rugged strength by the grace of God! Whitney makes a very compelling argument for discipline in the pages that follow.

Whitney asks the question "What good is discipline without direction?" Does a musician practice countless hours without a clear vision of what that practice will lead to? Not a chance! As a professional trumpet player, I can relate to that very well. The level of success I have achieved as a musician has resulted from disciplined practice with a clear objective in mind.

In a similar way, as a Christian, discipline is critical in one's ability to attain Godliness. While Whitney is clear that God's grace is the only way to Godliness, he also states that "we aren't merely to wait for holiness, we're to pursue it." How can we expect God's rich blessings of His grace to be lavished upon us if we lack the discipline to seek the face of God in every aspect of our lives? While God's grace is a free gift, let's think of it like a faucet for a moment. If we turn the knob, more water flows out. If the pipes are clean of obstructions, the water pressure will be greater. If we clean our own lives of clutter and discipline ourselves to consistently grow in our knowledge of God, God's grace will be more accessible and abundant. (NOTE: the faucet is my own thinking and not Whitney's in case anyone thinks it is dumb or wrong)

The entire book is written with 1 Timothy 4:7 in mind: "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." God makes it clear why we should be disciplined in our pursuit of righteousness. Because it leads to Godliness! The extent of Godliness in the lives of Christians has a profound impact on our effectiveness for God's Kingdom. Discipline is extremely important in case you're like me and tend to forget!

I'll allow Whitney's words to clear up any confusion that may have been created by my own...

"The Spiritual Disciplines then are also like channels of God's transforming grace. As we
place ourselves in them to seek communion with Christ, His grace flows to us and we are
changed. That's why the Disciplines must become priority for us if we will be Godly."

"Christians are called to make themselves do something they would not naturally do--pursue
the Spiritual Disciplines--in order to become what they've always wanted to be, that is, like
Jesus Christ."

Whitney also stresses the importance of not feeling as if practicing Spiritual Disciplines is boring, tedious, or something at which few can be successful. If you have ever worked hard for a race or studied for a test, Whitney says that you have the ability to be disciplined in the areas of Godliness.

Once we start to see the truth that Whitney states as "Spiritual Disciplines...are actually the means to spiritual freedom" our thinking on discipline should change. For instance, I never had much discipline to study in school. I was blessed with a good bit of intelligence that enabled me to get good grades in school, but I didn't retain much of what was taught. On the other hand, I possessed tons of discipline to practice trumpet for hours a day in college to consistently improve my skills. I've seen the results of a disciplined regiment. I didn't happen upon a career in music. I was proactive in obtaining it. In the same way, we cannot happen upon Godliness! We are responsible for desiring it and seeking it out. By God's grace, may we obtain it!

I'll leave you with two final excerpts that clearly describe what is in store for the Christian who disciplines him/herself in the pursuit of Godliness.

"The freedom of Godliness is the freedom to do what God calls us to do through Scripture and
the freedom to express the character qualities of Christ through our own personality."

"Jesus was the most disciplined Man who ever lived and yet the most joyful and passionately
alive."

Discipline leads to Godliness. The freedom of Godliness is freedom to its fullest measure. By the grace of God, let's pursue it with all that we are!

Comments

  1. Tonya is going to lend us her copy. We are looking forward to the great discussions to follow. Merry Christmas! We miss you.

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