Comments on: Missional Spiritual Formation http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/missional-spiritual-formation/912/ by Matthew Morine Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:40:29 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: JamesBrett http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/missional-spiritual-formation/912/comment-page-1/#comment-31488 JamesBrett Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:56:52 +0000 http://www.matthewmorine.com/?p=912#comment-31488 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. 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.

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