INTRODUCTION
Incorporating spiritual disciplines into daily life is essential for personal growth and
deepening one’s relationship with God. Donald S. Whitney’s book, “Spiritual Disciplines for the
Christian Life,” provides a comprehensive guide on various practices that can help individuals
nurture their spiritually. Whitney “warned that without spiritual disciplines one is in danger of
missing God,”1 that is very serious. One scripture comes to mine “Many will say to me in that
day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? And then will I profess unto them, I
never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthews 7:22-23).2 In this plan I will
outline how I intend to prioritize spiritual disciplines in my life.
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE PRACTICES
1. Meditation: Meditation is a fundamental spiritual discipline that involves reflecting on
scripture, God’s nature, or one’s faith journey. To incorporate meditation into my daily
routine. I plan to allocate time each morning before starting my day. During this time, I
will:
Find a quiet and comfortable space free from distractions.
Select a passage from the Bible to meditate on.
Read the passage slowly and attentively, focusing on its meaning and implications
for my life.
1 Whitney, D.S. (2014) Spiritual disciplines for the Christian life. Colorado Springs: NavPress.
2 New king James Version (NKJV) - version information - biblegateway.com. Available at:
https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-King-James-Version-NKJV-Bible/ (Accessed: 26 March
2024).
2
Reflect on how the message applies to my current circumstances and challenges.
Conclude with prayer of gratitude and openness to divine guidance.
2. Scripture Intake: After seeing the video on praying the word, this method has opened an
excitement in my scriptural intake, prayer, and meditation. It has given my reading,
prayer, and meditation a new excitement and purpose. My plan is to:
Set aside a specific time to read the word of God.
After reading the word of God I will meditate and seek direction of application to
my life.
Next, I will pray the passage(s) that I just read.
BATTLING TEMPTATIONS
I this section I will point out the most common temptations and identify which ones that I
personally struggle with. There are lyrics in a well-known song “yield not to temptation for
yielding is sin,” temptation is not a sin; however, it is when we yield to them is when it becomes
sin. Some of the most common temptations are laziness, gossiping, anger, envy, lust and many
more. I will also point out triggers for these temptations.
1. Gossiping: This is a common temptation that I personally struggle with. I plan to battle
this temptation by refraining from spreading or listening to gossip. As I stated in my
paper on temptations, I will guard my spirit of information and talk that is not inducive or
edifying to my spiritual man.
2. Anger: Is another temptation that I struggle with. I am currently working on this
temptation, through self-reflection and meditation to calm myself. I will avoid arguments
and confrontations whenever possible. I often practice walking away to regroup my
thoughts and focus on a calmer approach.
3
COMMON CAUSES OF TEMPATIONS
God does not tempt us to sin as stated in James 1:13. In the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew
6:9-13), the request “Lead us not into temptation” is asking God not to allow us to be
tempted or tested beyond our abilities, and to deliver us from evil. This can refer to both
avoiding sin and asking for strength to endure trials. The goal is always to be delivered
from the evil one.3 One passage that comes to mind when thinking of temptations “Be
sober be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about,
seeking whom he may devour” (1Peter 5:8).4 The devil spends his entire existence
seeking whom he can tempt to the point of sin.
Therefore, when we fail to spend time in the word of God, prayer and incorporate the
disciplines of fasting, meditation, and many others we leave ourselves open to
temptations.
BATTLING STRATEGES
Prayer and scriptural meditation are the top of my battling pyramid, I believe that daily
prayer and scriptural meditation is very beneficial for battling any temptations. One step further
that I have taken to battle these temptations is to take self-inventory of triggers that lead to these
temptations. I will avoid conversations that are not edifying to me or the people that I am talking
with or about. I will also avoid arguments and confrontations, by realizing that I don’t have to be
right all the time or even have the last word. I have learned that walking away and regrouping
my thoughts really helps me with defusing anger issues.
Author Donald S. Whitney provides various battling strategies to help Christian’s battle
temptations and deepen their relationship with God.
3 Ibid
4 Ibid
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1. Prayer: Whitney emphasizes the importance of prayer as a powerful tool in spiritual
warfare. He encourages believers to cultivate a consistent and fervent prayer life, seeking
God’s guidance, strength, and protection in all circumstances.
2. Scripture Meditation: Another battling strategy highlighted by Whitney is the practice
of meditating on God’s Word. By immersing oneself in Scripture regularly and allowing
its truths to penetrate the heart and mind, Christians can equip themselves with the
spiritual armor needed to combat temptations and challenges.
3. Fellowship: Whitney underscores the significance of Christian community in the battle
against spiritual forces. Engaging in regular fellowship with other believers, sharing
struggles and victories, and supporting one another in prayer can provide strength and
encouragement during spiritual warfare.
4. Submission to God’s Will: Ultimately, Whitney underscores the importance of
surrendering to God’s will and aligning one’s desires with His purposes. By yielding to
the leading of the Holy Spirit and walking in obedience to God’s commands Christians
can experience victory over sin and Satan’s devices.
5. Accountability: The author also stresses the importance of accountability in maintaining
spiritual disciplines. By partnering with a trusted mentor or friend who can offer
guidance, support, and accountability, Christians can stay on track in pursuit of
godliness.5
5 Whitney, D.S. (2014) Spiritual disciplines for the Christian life. Colorado Springs: NavPress.
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Bibliography
Bible gateway passage: Matthew 25:14-30 - new king James Version (no date) Bible Gateway.
Available at: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+25%3A14-
30&version=NKJV (Accessed: 07 April 2024).
Whitney, D.S. (2014) Spiritual disciplines for the Christian life. Colorado Springs: NavPress.
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