How the Spiritual Disciplines are Like Falling Asleep
I am always careful how I talk about the spiritual disciplines – those holy habits that create the space and depth we need to grow spiritually: Scripture engagement, prayer, service, etc.
When I try to encourage people to cultivate those habits, I am keenly aware of the danger of creating a “checklist spirituality,” where – as Jan’s post last week mentioned – spirituality is reduced to checking boxes.
There is no heart-change in checklist spirituality, only carefully monitored performance and an insidious temptation to arrogance when we “succeed” or despair when we “fail.”
That’s why I recommend Bible reading plans with a caveat. Your purpose in reading Scripture is never just to accomplish a goal; you read to hear from God.
And the reading plan is just a tool.
As soon as your performance becomes a stumbling-block – as soon as your “success” or “failure” prompts you to spiritual pride or self-condemnation – the plan is no longer an aid for spiritual growth but an actual temptation.
All of this is why I think I’m onto something: cultivating these holy habits is a lot like falling asleep.
Let me explain.
I am grateful for sleep. Scripture tells us that sleep is a gift from God (Psa 127:2). God designed our bodies to work in a regular rhythm of work and rest.
But much as I need and appreciate the gift of sleep, I recognize that I cannot make myself fall sleep. All I can do – all I am able to do – is make proper arrangements… and then surrender.
I position myself to make room for sleep to come:
I lay my head down in a dark, quiet room.
I close my eyes.
I am still.
And I surrender.
If all goes to plan, I will drift off into blissful slumber.
And when I do fall asleep, there is no accomplishment in the act, only positioning and surrender.
Just so, I cannot make myself grow spiritually.
No amount of effort on my part will ensure that I grow spiritually. There is no accomplishment in growing spiritually, only positioning and surrender.
The holy habits position me to grow:
I set aside time to hear from God in his Word.
I set aside time to talk to him in prayer.
I serve the people around me.
And I do all this with a mind set not to achieve, not to accomplish something, but as an act of worshipful surrender.
If you’ve already given up on your Bible reading plan for this year, don’t despair.
Keep at it.
Day by day you’re positioning yourself to hear from our good, good Father.
Don’t stop.
And don’t be discouraged if your prayer time seems dry and pointless.
Keep at it.
Day by day you’re talking things over with our good, good Father.
Don’t stop.
And don’t neglect to serve the people God brings into your life.
Keep at it.
Don’t stop.
Persevere in the holy habits.
And trust our good, good Father for his blessing.
Persevere,
Paul Pyle
Pastor of Discipleship