The Value of Spiritual Disciplines

But I discipline my body and keep it under control.

1 Corinthians 9:27

I enjoying reading biographies of successful people from a diversity of interests, including sports, education, science, and so on. I’ve found that every single one of them has had some sort of discipline that has led to their achievements. Unfortunately, some of these people have lived their lives without God. Therefore, while I admire their accomplishments, it makes me sad that their efforts lack eternal value because they rejected Christ.

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are given spiritual gifts and natural talents from the Lord. He can use any one of us to accomplish great works in the world. Through many of us, lives that were destined for destruction were saved because of our obedience to God in sharing the Gospel, living righteously, communicating our testimonies, and serving graciously. Yet even we need to be spiritually disciplined in order to be effective in our gifting. What is the value of spiritual disciplines?

The spiritual discipline of prayer helps us remain connected to God through hearing and speaking to Him about our concerns.

The spiritual discipline of reading and studying Scriptures keeps us aware of God’s will and purposes so that we can give an answer for the hope that lies within us, and our faith will grow stronger.

The spiritual discipline of serving others, whether in the body of Christ or not, gives us the opportunity to put our faith into action.

The spiritual discipline of fasting helps us to keep our flesh or carnal nature from controlling our thoughts and actions.

The spiritual discipline of solitude helps us to quiet all of our thoughts to thoroughly hear the voice of the Holy Spirit through reflection and meditation.