Monday, January 01, 2007

New Year’s Resolutions for Spiritual Formation…

Posted by Nathan Bierma @http://www.calvin.edu/weblogs/worship/more/new_years_resolutions_for_spiritual_formation/

... are not like resolutions for weight loss; they cannot be quantifiably or even deliberately achieved. In his sermon Spiritual Geography—which is a fitting and meaningful read for New Year’s—Leonard Vander Zee quotes these central principles of spiritual formation:

Spiritual Formation ...

is essential, not optional for Christ followers.

is a process, not an event.

is God’s work but requires my participation.

is not a compartmentalized pursuit. God is not interested in my spiritual life, he’s interested in my life, all of it.

can happen in any moment, any circumstance. It is not restricted to certain times or practices.

is not individualistic, but takes place in community and finds expression in serving others.

is not impeded by a person’s background, temperament, past sins, present struggles, or season of life. It’s available right now to those who desire it.

the means of pursuing it will vary from one person to another. Followers of Christ are hand-crafted not mass-produced.

is ultimately gauged by an increased capacity to love God and people. No superficial or legalistic checklist can measure it.

More on spiritual growth from Redeemer Presbyterian under “Changed People,” including ”How to Change” (mp3)

No comments: