Class 1 Devotional: Introduction to Spiritual Formation

What is spiritual transformation?

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Cor 3:17-18)

Many terms describe the changes that we make as we strive to become more like Jesus. Repentance, discipleship, apprenticeship, formation, and sanctification all come to mind. In many ways, they describe the same concept:

How can we invite God into our lives in ways that lead to real, lasting, and continual changes to our character?

The other side of the question may be even more pertinent:

How do we avoid the common pitfalls of both spiritual stagnation and legalistic goal setting?

I want to start by addressing several objections that have been raised about the term spiritual formation.

1. Isn’t this another term for discipleship? In truth, the concepts and goals are similar and there certainly is significant overlap. If it helps you to equate the two concepts, good for you. For many, the concept of spiritual formation has broadened their approach to discipleship by clearly defining both the goal—“to become more like Jesus”—and the method—through spiritual practices or disciplines. New terminology can be helpful to expand our understanding of ways to follow Jesus, identify practices that may be missing from our church traditions and cultures, and learn from other Christians.

2. Aren’t the originators of these practices eccentric ascetic monks? While to some extent this is true, we probably shouldn’t discount people who discovered and implemented practices in the Bible that were not commonly being used effectively by Christians, even if some of them were eccentric. The time when monks began practicing these disciplines bears many similarities to today—Christianity was very common, but most Christians didn’t have lifestyles that resemble Jesus’. Many disciplines appear ascetic because they promote abstinence. In today’s world, I would expect that those who follow Jesus would abstain from many common habits that result in addiction, narcissism, and attention-seeking. In today’s overindulgent, materialistic, and self-consumed society, abstinence may be the only way to get in touch with our need for God.

3. Aren’t spiritual disciplines generally isolating and self-focused? While some disciplines such as isolation, meditation, solitude, and silence may at first seem too individualistic, the true goal of all spiritual formation is to be led by the Spirit to be more like Jesus. Jesus gracefully balanced personal solitude, private ministry, and public impact. Most spiritual formation resources will guide you in both the inward journey to connect with God and the outward focus to join God’s work in transforming our communities.

What should I be looking to change as we study “spiritual transformation”?

I recommend the following:
1. Continue to be a disciple. A disciple is a learner, a student. Let’s learn some new ways to approach our relationship with God and with each other. We certainly have much to learn about how to follow Jesus!

2. Practice makes perfect. Or, using the Greek word “teleios,” practice makes us “mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:4). We hope that by digging deeper into spiritual practices that many Christians have found effective over the years, we too will experience growth. As Jesus said, “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Paul labored “to present every person complete in Christ” (Colossians 1:28). Use the spiritual practices/disciplines to invite the Spirit to make you more complete!

3. Don’t try this at home. At least, not alone. When we first became Christians, we learned from someone else how to follow Jesus. Discipleship and spiritual formation are not meant to be practiced in isolation. You can’t be a solo Christian because you’ll miss out on the second Greatest Commandment—love your neighbor as yourself. Find a community (a small group) and work together. Leverage some of the many resources that are available to put into practice with one another.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Cor. 14:13)