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"Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths.
Rather train yourself for godliness."
(1 Timothy 4:7)
I saw a great Instagram story the other day. A company called BibleSketches posted some thoughts about New Year's resolutions and a common phrase they had been hearing. I have also seen this phrase often: "I am letting go of things that no longer serve me". I understand the idea behind this popular phrase, but I actually think it goes against our calling as Christians in some ways. As Christians, we are called to reflect Jesus who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). So rather than moving away from things that don't "serve us", let us move away from the things in our own hearts that don't serve Christ so that we may serve others in His name.
Today's focus is not on setting empty New Year's resolutions that will be broken in a few weeks time. Rather, today's focus is on renewing spiritual commitments by considering the spiritual disciplines. But before we do, there are some important foundations we need to lay:
Considering spiritual disciplines is not about a works-based salvation or sanctification through works. I love this quote from Don Whitney. "And so we are not godly just because we practice the spiritual disciplines. That was the great error of the Pharisees. They felt by doing these things they were godly. No, they are means to godliness. Rightly motivated, they are the means to godliness."
An analysis of how you are doing in areas of spiritual disciplines is not meant to make you feel guilty or defeated. "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1) Too often, reflections on spiritual disciplines become a guilt trip of how we may have fallen short in these areas in the past. This is not about feeling guilty for not doing things in the past. This is about moving forward in grace by realigning ourselves to God's will.
So, with these in mind, consider the following:
What is one spiritual discipline that you want to be intentional about growing in this year?
There are many spiritual disciplines in the Christian life. Scripture reading, prayer, Scripture memory, giving, worship, fasting, confession, stewardship, and fellowship, just to name a few. Pick one spiritual discipline in which you'd like to grow in 2024. Remember, we are in a process of sanctification. Nobody has arrived at perfection, and we all have so many areas to grow in.
What are some ways you can be intentional about growing in this area?
Consider some thought patterns, actions, boundaries, or help you may need to pick up in order to intentionally grow. For instance, if I want to grow in the discipline of Scripture memory, perhaps I would choose a chapter of Scripture that I want to memorize. I could download the Verses App which helps to memorize Scripture by making it kind of feel like a game. Think "Duolingo for Scripture memory". I could set up some accountability by asking a friend to memorize with me.
What do you need to "put off" in order to grow in this area?
Is there something stopping you from serving Christ fully? Is there a habit you have which would hold you back from growing in this area? Perhaps to find time to read Scripture more consistently, you need to wake up a bit earlier. Perhaps in order to thrive in your prayer life, it would help to not bring your phone into your bedroom at night and to wind down by journaling your prayers instead.
As we embark on a new year, let us rekindle that fire for growing in the Lord. May our love for Him ever increase, and may that lead us toward these disciplines. Ask God to help you grow in the areas you have identified.
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