Spiritual Formation & Resources
Frustration
is a common experience among Christians
longing for spiritual fulfillment, transformation and maturity. What is the road to
becoming truly spiritual
and godly? Are we
praying often
enough? Are we
praying in the right way
and for the right things? Are
we reading
and studying the Bible enough and in the right way?
Are we reading the right books? What about fasting and
meditation? What
should we be doing? Are
we doing enough? How do we become
spiritual? How do
we become truly mature
spiritually?
Fortunately,
here is no process for becoming
spiritual. God
graciously gives us
everything we need for life and godliness.
In our spiritual journey we rely on Jesus
Christ from the beginning to
the very end. Everything
comes from God. Christian
spirituality is simply following
Jesus and receiving from Him. Spiritual
formation is not a process of self-development.
God does the forming.
Our
spiritual life is something graciously given to us by God.
So,
why write about or spend any time focusing on
spiritual formation?
We are
called to pursue the Lord and to be receptive to what He has given us. As we practice spiritual
disciplines we take
in and receive God’s nourishing Word that feeds our soul. Jesus teaches us to pray
and He intercedes
for us. We receive
what we need from Him
as we read, pray, meditate and fast.
God
gives us His Spirit. He
gives us
gifts. In each
encounter in spiritual
battle God guides us with His Word and His Holy Spirit.
We depend on Him and He empowers us. We need to be spiritually
awake and ready for
battle. Even
suffering, temptation and
failure form us into the image of Jesus Christ as we learn to cling to
Him and
depend on Him.
What is Spiritual Formation?
Spiritual formation is the process by which believers become more fully
conformed and united to Jesus Christ. It is the intentional
development and nurturing of our relationship with God. It is
being transformed by the Spirit of Christ. It is the shaping
of a believer's inner character and outward actions into the likeness
of Jesus Christ.
It does not take being in Christian ministry very
long to realize that simply having a daily "quiet time" will not create
the transformation and depth needed to sustain a person who is
ministering spiritually for the long hull; especially those who
minister in hard situations. Spiritual maturity and growth is
not instantaneous. The process of transformation is more
involved and is a long-term process. There is no short cut to
spiritual formation and transformation. Our spiritual life is
cultivated.
Some approaches and aspects of spiritual
formation include following: Cultivating the
spiritual disciplines (i.e.: prayer, study, fasting, meditation,
confession, worship, journaling, etc...); developing a Biblical value
system; cultivating a growing love for and intimacy with God
(devotional life); understanding who we are in Jesus Christ (our
identity); developing a love for others; walking in the power of the
Holy Spirit; being prepared and equipped for spiritual battle; being
involved in a community of believers; and being involved in ministry
(evangelism, discipleship, service). (Note: This is
not intended to be an exhaustive list.)
Is your relationship with Jesus Christ shallow or
deep? Is your spiritual life healthy and growing?
God desires to transform us from the inside out and bring our thoughts,
attitudes, actions, habits and character into conformity to His
image.
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