The Importance of Spiritual Formation and Its Relationship to Discipleship
Spiritual formation is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the glory of
God and for the sake of others. It involves the intentional pursuit of spiritual growth and maturity
through various spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, meditation, study of scripture, fasting, and
solitude. The importance of spiritual formation cannot be overstated, as it is essential for
nurturing a deep and meaningful relationship with God, developing a Christ-like character, and
living out the principles of the Christian faith in everyday life. 1
One of the key aspects of spiritual formation is the development of character. Through
spiritual disciplines and intentional practices, individuals are shaped and transformed into the
likeness of Christ. This transformation involves cultivating virtues such as love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As individuals grow in
these virtues, they become more effective in their relationships with others and in their services
in the world. 2
Spiritual formation also plays a crucial role in deepening one’s relationship with God. By
engaging in spiritual disciplines and practices, individuals open themselves up to experiencing
God’s presence in their lives in a more profound way. This leads to a deeper understanding of
God’s love, grace, and mercy, as well as a heightened awareness of His guidance and direction.3
1 ———. 2018. Spiritual Formation Is...: How to Grow in Jesus with Passion and Confidence. Nashville, TN:
B&H Academic.
2 Willard, Dallas. 2014. The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus’s Essential Teachings on Discipleship. New
York, NY: Harper One, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
3 Ibid
Furthermore, spiritual formation facilitates the integration of faith into all aspects of life. It
equips individuals to live out their faith authentically in their families, workplaces, communities,
and beyond. As individuals grow in spiritual maturity, they become more intentional about
aligning their beliefs with their actions and decisions.
The relationship between spiritual formation and discipleship is intrinsic. Discipleship
involves following Jesus Christ wholeheartedly and becoming more like Him, Spiritual
formation provides the framework for this process by nurturing the growth and maturity
necessary for effective discipleship. 4 In essence, discipleship is about learning from Jesus and
being transformed by his teachings and example. Spiritual formation serves as the means through
which this transformation occurs. It encompasses the ongoing journey of becoming a disciple
who reflects the character and mission of Christin all areas of life.
Overview of Three Areas Related to Spiritual Growth
“Doing your part” in spiritual formation involves taking personal responsibility for one’s
spiritual journey. It entails a conscious decision to prioritize spiritual growth and development.
This includes regular studying of the scripture, planned prayer time, attending spiritual events,
and regular meditation time.
“Love the Lord with Mind, Body, Soul, and Spirit”, refers to cultivating a vibrant
relationship with God at a spiritual level. This involves seeking intimacy with God through
prayer, meditation, and contemplation. It also entails aligning one’s spirit with the Holy Spirit,
allowing Him to guide and transform one’s innermost being.
“Walking in the Spirit” stresses the importance of surrendering to the guidance of the Holy
Spirit and allowing him to shape one’s character and behavior. It also stresses that walking in the
4 Ibid
Spirit requires a willingness to relinquish control and submit to Gods will, allowing Him to work
within individuals to produce Spiritual fruit.
How walking in and under the control of the Holy Spirit impacts our Spiritual
development. When individuals allow themselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit, they
experience transformation in various aspects of their lives, including their thoughts, actions, and
relationships. This influence is believed to lead to a deeper understanding of spiritual truths,
increased faith, and more Christ-like characteristics.
Transformation of Character is a key attribute to walking in and under the control of the Holy
Spirit. The Apostle Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 as love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 5 These qualities are
believed to be cultivated in individuals who yield to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As a result,
their character becomes increasingly aligned with the teaching and example of Jesus Christ.
Walking under the control of the Holy Spirit also impacts Spiritual Development by
enhancing spiritual discernment. The Holy Spirit is believed to provide believers with insight and
understanding regarding spiritual matters. This includes discernment of God’s will recognition of
truth from falsehood, and wisdom in making decisions that align with God’s purposes. Through
This discernment individuals can navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence.
Another significant impact is empowerment for service. The Holy Spirit equips believers
with spiritual gifts that enable them to serve others within the Christian community and beyond.
These gifts may include teaching, leadership, mercy, evangelism, and other abilities that
contribute to the edification and outreach of the church. By walking in the control of the Holy
5 “You version Bible App.” 2023. You Version. November 6. https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/.
Spirit, individuals are empowered to fulfill their unique roles in advancing God’s kingdom and
ministering to the need of others.
The personal growth of assessment was a powerful eye opener for me. My strengths were
“Love for one another”. Surprisingly, my weaknesses were “Love for God. After taking this
assessment I instantly started to reassess my place in God. Every believer show takes this
assessment at least every six months. It is not designed to make you feel bad however, cause to
do better by aligning your priorities with the will of the Father that called us in the first place.
“Love for one another” was on point. I’ve always known that I have a gift of help and mercy.
However, the “Love for God” floored me! Through this assessment I realized that daily I really
don’t spend time with God! This was an eye opener for me I instantly had to revaluate my
Christian walk with God. I realize that these lacks come from not walking in and under the
guidance of the Holy Spirit.
“Love For God”
1. Set time for prayer.
2. Spending time meditating on God’s word
3. Regular fasting
4. Regularly disconnect from the world!
5. Journaling!
“Love for Others”
1. Guard my spirit from gossip.
2. Daily pray for and with my family
3. Look at others through the eyes of God good or bad
4. Treat others as I want to be treated
“Love for my neighbors”
1. Share this good news with others.
2. Use my spiritual gift to share with others outside the body of
Christ.
3. Pray for others in need.
4. Pray for this country and its leaders!
I have truly been empowered, by this assignment and the book Spiritual Formation. It has
caused me to reassess my life as a Christian and to prioritize the needs of kingdom work over my
needs. I am spiritually motivated to the process of being changed to be like Jesus.
Bibliography
Grudem, Wayne A., and Alexander Grudem. 2022. Bible Doctrine: Essential Teachings of the
Christian Faith. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
Willard, Dallas. 2014. The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus’s Essential Teachings on
Discipleship. New York, NY: Harper One, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
“You version Bible App.” 2023. You Version. November 6. https://www.youversion.com/the-
bible-app/.
———. 2018. Spiritual Formation Is...: How to Grow in Jesus with Passion and Confidence.
Nashville, TN: B&H Academic.
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