Spiritual Formation
Grace…
Ultimately, living in Jesus’ name is not something that we can just choose to do in our own strength and willpower. We cannot simply choose to heal the sick or raise the dead. We cannot simply choose to overcome all temptations from here on out. Where we fall short, we depend on the grace of God to continually work in us, making us more like Jesus – in our attitudes, our capacity to love others and provide for their needs, our selflessness, and our faithfulness to put God’s interests above our own.
Effort…
While we cannot earn this grace of God, we can put some effort into preparing ourselves for its transforming work in our lives. We keep in mind that we are only the clay and God is the potter, but with this in mind we seek to become soft and malleable in His hands. We consider: “Is my lifestyle making me more or less pliable in the hands of God? What might I do to put myself in the way of the grace of God in my life?”
Jesus…
Ultimately, we look to Jesus: How did Jesus deal with His own humanity? How did the most in-demand person in history cope? How did He maintain His purpose when the world was pressing in on Him from all sides? What disciplines shaped His life that He might always be prepared to serve God and people?
Spiritual Disciplines…
The gospels clearly record Jesus as a man of prayer, as a man who fasted, a man who knew the Scriptures, a man who practiced solitude and silence, a man who gathered to worship, a man who knew how to celebrate, a man who lived a life of simplicity, a man not afraid to submit Himself to another, a man who gave His whole life to serve even those who would ultimately reject Him.
Imitation…
By these same disciplines seen in the life of Christ, we, too, can experience the freedom and joy of Christ. We learn freedom from pride, freedom from the tyranny of our own stomachs, freedom from the entanglements of our modern culture, joy of constant awareness and communion with God, joy of laying aside our own agenda to serve others, and the peace of inner stillness and rest.
Experience…
This lifestyle – the imitation of Christ – is for any follower of Jesus who would so choose it. If you have any questions, or if you are interested in the fellowship of some friends on this journey, please contact us by phone @ (217) 324-4890 or email us!