The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
This was the week for the “not so popular” Disciplines. I hope you concluded though, that practicing the Disciplines of Spiritual Warfare, Counsel, and Sabbath will enhance your spiritual growth. I also hope you clearly saw how Jesus served again as our perfect example in the practice of the Disciplines.
Please review the thoughts that have been shared this week and respond to the question below. There are some excellent thoughts shared in the comments so please consider these in your review as well.
Today’s Question:
We are all at different places in our Christian journey. As you consider where you are, which of the three Disciplines we considered this week is the most relevant to you, and why?
March 19, 2016 at 7:26 am
Hmmm, Spiritual Warfare, Counsel and the Sabbath … which discipline is more relevant to me at this juncture…
Well first I’d have to admit that there is certainly room for growth in all three, as they’d, respectively, i) help me to be on guard with a right perspective, and fight accordingly, ii) allow more wisdom into my life, and iii) contribute to a healthier week, and resulting walk.
All that said, I’ve been recently journeying mostly in regard to spiritual warfare, having seen and experienced some significant coordinated attacks on our family lately, as well as the growth that comes through perceiving these situations accurately (Eph.6:12).
Some useful perspective can be found in the brief devotional available at http://www.ficm.org.uk/node/246
May we all see the enemy and his schemes for what they are, and be strong in the victory already won, and the truth that sets us free.
March 19, 2016 at 3:10 pm
Thank you Lester for the link to the article on Spiritual Warfare – it helped my understanding of this discipline. I’ve been a believer 4 years now. I would say my greatest struggle is Spiritual Warfare – I have gone thru periods of intense temptation when I thought ‘this is it for me – I can’t do it – let me go back to my sinful habits.’ And I didn’t know why it was happening since I was committed to living the Christian life. And I knew better because experience taught me life without God is not good.
Yet, lately I find myself fantasizing about my old life again, and other doubts. This has been precipitated by challenges I am experiencing as I settle into a new country. I have no doubt it is a test of faith to determine whether my Christianity is fickle. At times like this it is tempting to turn back, if I allow myself to free fall into the darkness – so inviting and familiar – the gratification immediate.
In these moments, I am strangely (or deceptively) comforted by the idea that I can abandon my Christian walk anytime I choose and take the seemingly easy way out. But then I project into the future and cannot fathom the thought of an existence shut out from God. That thought absolutely terrifies me. Life without God is infinitely scarier than the lure of temporary pleasure and comfort. Who is going to help thru the pain of life that is bound to come? Flesh cannot help. The battle is truly within.