Spiritual disciplines are necessary for believers to grow in Christ. Paul told Timothy, “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” This is not legalism, but rather employing the grace of God in our lives to help us to practice biblical principles geared to strengthen us in our walk with God. There are many spiritual disciplines we need to practice: prayer, fasting, study, evangelism, simplicity, silence, confession, etc. In this blog, with inspiration from a friend of mine, I’ve put together a list of disciplines that are often overlooked but are critical to helping us grow in intimacy-based holiness. 

 1.    Covenant With Your Eyes – Job said, “I have made a covenant with my eyes to not to look lustfully at a young woman”(Job 31:1). David said, “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes”(Ps. 101:3). Jesus said when “your eye is good (doesn’t look on wicked and worthless things) your whole body is full of light”(Mat 6:22). In our day the stakes are too high to not take this discipline seriously. I have spent long hours counseling people with life long pornography addictions. This is a problem of epidemic proportions. I encourage all believers to deal ruthlessly with this area of temptation and not allow the enemy a foothold in your life through your eyes. Make a covenant with God to not allow wickedness, particularly sexual immorality, before your eyes. (I encourage you to read Bob Sorge’s excellent book, A Covenant with My Eyes, for additional revelation and encouragement.) 

2.    Bridle Your Tongue – James said, “If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man able to bridle his whole body as well” (James 3:2). This issue can’t be overstated. When we discipline our speech we can discipline all of our actions. Jesus was clear that we would all give an account on the day of judgment for every idle word that we speak(Mat 12:36). Our words speak of what’s in our hearts. It’s critical to not allow our minds to “vent” especially if our minds haven’t been renewed by the Word of God. What we say has a huge impact on the activity of the Spirit in our lives. Through our words we either grieve the Spirit or we impart grace from the Holy Spirit. Let your words be a reflection of the Spirit who indwells you.

3.    Manage Your Time - Paul said, “Walk circumspectly not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time for the days are evil”(Eph. 5:15-16). Everyone has the same number of hours each week. How we spend those hours are entirely up to us. The number one way to be effective with your time is to live by a schedule in which you set aside time for each of the things that are important, including rest and recreation. I am not a scheduled person by nature, but I have found that a personal schedule has been essential for me to be effective in the things God has called me to do. Make yourself a schedule that includes, prayer, word, serving, relationships, rest, and recreation. Even if you hit it 80% of the time you will be far more effective and fruitful in life than if you never scheduled at all. 

4.    Giving Generously – Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth...but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Mat. 6:19-20). He gave us a critical secret to life; real treasures are not what we possess in this age, but what we possess in the ages to come. We gain those treasures by giving away our earthly treasures now. The most joyful people I’ve met in life are the ones who are most generous. I’ve never met a greedy, stingy person who was actually joyful. Giving as much as possible to the Kingdom is the way to joy in this age and to great blessing in the age to come. Give tithes, offerings, huge tips, great gifts, and unexpected blessings. Basically just give as generously as you can. Work that giving muscle and you’ll find the blessedness that Jesus taught would be ours in giving. 

5.    Lovingly Obey – Through our connection with the Holy Spirit we receive regular direction from God. What an amazing gift that we have the Holy Spirit living within us all the time leading us and guiding us. Make a habit of obeying the Holy Spirit’s leadings. Do it out of love. Obedience in love is the bottom line of this life. Recognizing God’s intentions for you are only good will allow you to lovingly obey His gentle leadings and subtle admonitions. Obedience to the Holy Spirit will cause you to grow in love and holiness all of your days.” The Grace of the Lord … and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you” (2 Cor. 13:14).

I pray as you engage in these spiritual disciplines you find the grace of God to help you draw closer to Him and grow in love.