As we approach the Spiritual Disciplines a word of warning. It is easy to fall into the trap of making the Disciplines into a new form of legalism. In our effort to gain a fuller understanding of how to put ourselves into God's care, we may err on the side of setting up the Disciplines as just more rules to follow. As Richard Foster says in Celebration of Disciplines, "They (the Disciplines) are meant to bring the abundance of God into our lives. It is possible, however, to turn them into another set of soul-killing laws. Law-bound Disciplines breathe death."
How can we avoid making these practices merely external practices? How do we learn to use them for our internal spiritual growth? Why are the Disciplines important and how do I make them a part of my daily life without becoming legalistic? Are we trying to manipulate God (into accepting us for our good works) or trying to control how others perceive us (as holier-than-thou)? What is our motive? Who are we trying to impress? Are the Disciplines a source of joy and inspiration or merely another temptation to pride and fear? These are questions we need to ask ourselves before we begin our journey together.
I don't have all the answers. These are areas to examine in your own life. I believe, however, that we can learn to lay down the burden of always having to be perfect or of always having to have the right answer. We can learn to avoid judging others by our own standards. We can reach our goal of inner transformation. We have, as our guide, Christ's Spirit and the Word.
Let's concentrate on the freedom we have in Christ. Let's celebrate with these Disciplines, not make them into another obligation ... for us or others. Foster quotes Leo Tolstoy at the end of chapter 1, "Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself."
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