Spiritual Disciplines
Whitney’s Main Argument
After reading Whitney’s Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, I understand his
main argument to be that we need to practice certain disciplines in order to
achieve “Christlikeness”. Whitney states, “Although God will grant Christlikeness to
us when Jesus returns, until then He intends for us to grow toward it. We aren’t
merely to wait for holiness; we’re to pursue it. “Strive for peace with everyone,”
we’re commanded in Hebrews 12:14, “and for the holiness without which no one
will see the Lord.”[1] Though I had not thought about this assertion in these terms
before reading this book, I have since come to agree with Whitney’s position.
The reason I agree is because of what is written earlier in the book of Hebrews.
“Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be
taken forward to maturity…” (Heb 6:1, NIV). To me, this Scripture speaks of
spiritual growth and maturity. Furthermore, growing in God’s Word means
increasing our understanding of Him. The word understanding itself indicates
pursuit and proximity. In other words, the closer we are to anything, the more we
understand it. Therefore, God wants us to experience spiritual growth by getting
closer to Him through His Word. I believe this is what Whitney is saying and he
outlines specific disciplines that we need to develop in order to achieve the
growth that God intends for us.
Spiritual Disciplines
e e e e e e e e e e The 3 spiritual disciplines I need to strengthen are journaling,
stewardship, and fasting. I plan to implement journaling by first setting aside the
last 30 minutes before I go to bed as time for writing down the events of my day
and documenting how God has blessed me and intervened in my life that day.
Hopefully from there, I can evolve and journal throughout the day. As for
stewardship, I plan to implement a personal calendar. I noticed that my time at
work is usually dictated by a calendar so I figure that if I implement one for home,
I can ensure I use my time more wisely. Lastly, I plan to fast once every 3 months
at the beginning of each season. Of fasting, Marin writes, “A fast has to be ended
properly and carefully or there can be painful and dangerous complications.”[2] I
will start off with short time frames and increase as I learn how to do it properly.
[1] Donald S Whitney (2020). (p. 2). Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life,
Revised and Updated Edition. Retrieved from
https://app.wordsearchbible.lifeway.com
[2] Martin, Paul. “Benefits of Fasting.” The Christian Century 94, no. 11 (March 30,
1977): 298.
https://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direc
t=true&db=lsdar&AN=ATLA0000760043&site=ehost-live&scope=site
