Text- 1 Timothy 4:7 – “… Rather, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness”
In the course of our discussion on spiritual disciplines, we have been able to establish the importance of spiritual discipline to our spiritual growth and development. We have also seen some general principles to guide us on the activities and practices of spiritual disciplines.
Moving on today, I want to lay emphasis on the fact that spiritual disciplines do not only include the things we do personally, they also include interpersonal practices and activities with fellow believers. There are certain spiritual disciplines that we practice alone. But then, there are also some that we practice with other Christians.
Take for example; you should do your personal quiet time (or devotion) daily. That is a form of personal spiritual discipline. You should also go to Church for communal fellowship and worship. That is an interpersonal or congregational spiritual discipline. We are expected to practice both.
“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, Jesus went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” – Mark 1:35
We see Jesus practicing a personal spiritual discipline here – He went to a solitary place, all by Himself, to pray.
“And Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day…” – Luke 4:16
We see Jesus practicing an interpersonal/congregational spiritual discipline here – He went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day as His custom was.
So then, if Jesus practiced both personal and interpersonal spiritual disciplines, as we have seen from scripture, then we should too.
Beloved, don’t ever be deceived to think of spirituality and the spiritual disciplines just as something you can do all by yourself. NO! True spirituality involves both applying yourself personally and engaging others communally in the activities and practices of spiritual discipline.
On Sunday; don’t stay at home steering at a computer screen or sitting before a TV set. Don’t think it’s good enough to listen to sermons, pray and worship God in your house. Rather, find a body of believers that you can fellowship and worship with physically; a people with whom you will engage communally in the activities and practices of spiritual discipline.
Shalom!
PRAYER
Lord, I commit today to apply myself personally and also to engage fellow believers communally in the activities and practices of spiritual discipline.
Image Credit: fbcthermopolis.org