Loading ...Missional Spiritual Formation
There is a huge demand for spiritual formation within the church. People are wanting to practice some of the spiritual disciplines of ancient times. People are hungry for transformation into a deeper walk with God. But as this need for spiritual refinement continues, I start to wonder about the root of this desire. Are people wanting to practice the spiritual disciplines for selfish reasons. The spiritual disciplines that focus on individuality only seem to be missing the point of the practice of Christ. Jesus did not travel to the mountain for personal time with personal motivations, but rather traveled to reconnect so that he could connect others to the father. Spiritual disciplines are not an end to themselves, but are a means to an end. The end is to proclaim of reign of God in this world through your character. We are refined by God to testify of His glory. There is a larger purpose to spiritual formation than holiness. The purpose is to be holy to proclaim God’s holiness. It seems that some spiritual formation is more about individualistic selfishness than about transformation of the world. People change to change culture. Christians become leaven in order to influence. Not a boasting leaven, but one that shows that the kingdom is here and will come. Transformation is for testifying.
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I agree completely that our transformation allows the world to see our good deeds, and glorify God. But that same transformation gives glory to God in itself. I think of spiritual disciplines as less about evangelism, and more about us discovering what it’s like to live in the kingdom of God, learning how to be loyal citizens in that kingdom. I’m not downplaying a focus on the lost (or maybe I am downplaying it as a focus), but it seems to me that ministry and evangelism flow naturally from a transformed believer, and aren’t the goal of spiritual disciplines themselves.
I don’t think we can be so quick to call others (or ourselves) out for practicing spiritual disciplines “selfishly” as you call it. Jesus certainly plays on this selfish note in our lives, telling us about the abundant life we can have, the treasures we store up in heaven, and the rest we can find in him for our tired souls; of course we know he’s only describing life in his kingdom. But all the same, spiritual disciplines help to bring the practices of my life closer to the reality of my position in that kingdom. And they accomplish that specifically in me, as I demonstrate this life to others.
It also seems impossible that an individual could practice the disciplines, no matter the motivation, and then remain selfish in his relationship with God — that is if the Spirit is succeeding in transforming his life and renewing his mind.
I think there’s good reason that some spiritual disciplines are rather individual in nature, while others are communal. But that’s another (related, but still) discussion.