As I've been pondering this today and reading what others have written, I realize I need to get clear in my own mind, and then make clear to my readers, what I mean when I say "spiritual formation." I emailed a friend about this growing passion of mine and it was obvious from his response that the assumption was that spiritual formation could be considered something wholly other and separate from the truth of Scripture and good doctrine. That is definitely NOT what I mean when I talk about spiritual formation. I guess that's why I named this blog "Spiritual Transformation." I'm talking about the command in Romans, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." It's clear that true transformation happens through the renewal of the mind. Spiritual disciplines and practices certainly have their place in the process, but to suggest that spiritual formation originates anywhere else than in the truth of the revealed Word of God is to wander down a dangerous path.
My growing interest in spiritual formation has been provoked by experiences in the evangelical church where the Word is held in high esteem and the preaching of correct doctrine is highly valued, yet there seems to be a disconnect between the theology learned and the life lived. People know and acknowledge what Scripture commands but choose instead to be conformed to this world. Experiences like these are what impel me to consider the process of true spiritual formation and the pursuit of Christ-likeness. The writer of Hebrews says, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." This is my God-given passion and desire. Thank you for letting me share it with you.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
You know I agree with you on this completely! I LONG to be in a fellowship where people who are struggling, do it openly before other believers and pursue Christ at the same time.
ReplyDeleteHypocrisy and phoniness in Christians is what kept me from Christ all of my early adulthood. Now that I have found Him, I become very discouraged when I see the Church seemingly encouraging leaders to be closed and secretive about their lives.
From a different context re: a different command (the Great Commission), I read a tweet recently that said, "Why do we have to call it the missional church? Why can't we just call it biblical church?" I believe the same thing re: what you said -
ReplyDelete"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." This is my God-given passion and desire.
You have reclaimed this verse as a God given passion and desire. Reclaimed, because we should be able to say that "biblical Christianity" hs always been marked by this verse. But since we've strayed so far from that, I commend you for your desire ... I hope this blog is helpful to you and others. When it's lived it's life, don't be afraid to kill it. I've had to kill many a blog.