What are spiritual disciplines?

Quick Answer: What are spiritual disciplines? While many promote the importance of the so-called “spiritual disciplines”, the phrase is not found in the Bible. Instead, Scripture teaches the importance of a relationship with God that flows naturally out of grace (Titus 2:11-14). So, we can choose to pray, read the Bible, etc. because we desire to, not because we have to do them.

Diving Deeper: While Christian theology has long encouraged the practice of spiritual disciplines, the expression “spiritual disciplines” does not exist in the Bible. Actions that are often labelled as spiritual disciplines such as prayer are, however, found throughout Scripture. But these are not presented as a “laundry list” of things to do so that we become more spiritually mature or “disciplined.” Instead, they can be the natural outflow of our relationship with God.

Take prayer as an example. Prayer is not a discipline as though we need to make ourselves talk to God. Prayer is simply an ongoing conversation we can have with our Heavenly Father about anything!

Consider Bible study as another example. During the days of the early church, most Christians were illiterate! In fact, even if they could read, the Bible wasn’t in print yet, so the concept of having their own Bible for “quiet time” was completely foreign. Today, we are blessed to have the entire Bible. But we can read and study it because we want to do so, not to somehow become closer to God.

It’s true that Paul did discipline himself (1 Corinthians 9:27). However, Paul was not talking about spiritual disciplines in this passage. Paul was simply presenting his body to Christ because he wanted to do so (Romans 12:1-2). God’s grace had won Paul over, and the apostle wanted to know God and not be mastered by the power of sin. This is a far cry from living a life in dependency on “spiritual disciplines” for Christian maturity.

We are designed to live by the Spirit in all things including prayer and Bible study (Galatians 5:22-23). We are not designed to live by disciplines. This cheapens the work of Christ and makes Christianity into a religious system of habits and rules instead of a vibrant relationship of dependency on the indwelling Christ to inspire us.

Let’s Make It a Conversation!
1. Do you practice any “spiritual disciplines”? Why or why not?
2. Why might viewing these activities as disciplines be problematic?
3. What role do Bible study and prayer have in a healthy Christian life? What’s the motivation?