If you haven't had the chance to read the Celebration of Discipline yet, stop what you are doing right now and pick it up. WOW! This book has educated me, moved me, inspired me, and challenged me. I thought I had a solid grasp on the disciplines before I read Foster's book, but I had not even considered some of the disciplines discussed. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and I hope you will experience the same.
During my time in The Fellowship Residency Program, I will be reading a long list of powerful books. To read more about my residency experience click here. One aspect of my assignments is to summarize and write key takeaways from each of the books. This is a summary of "Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth" by Richard Foster.
This is one of the books that I will forever recommend to every single Christian to read. I loved almost everything in the book. It further educated me on disciplines I thought I understood and even enlightened me on disciplines I had not previously identified. There were three key takeaways from the book that apply to every single discipline I want to discuss, and then I will walk through what I learned about each of the disciplines.
Firstly, if you are focused on the rules or practices of the discipline, then you are doing it wrong. The Spiritual Disciplines are not legalistic. Instead, they are about tuning your heart to be in alignment with God. Each discipline is a tool that allows us to experience God in new ways. Secondly, we don’t have to be “righteous” enough to perform these disciplines. God meets us where we are and will grow us deeper over time through the disciplines. Finally, we shouldn’t wait until we “feel” like doing the disciplines. Disciplines are about creating habits, and eventually our desires may or may not catch up.
As we dip our toes into the disciplines, we need to understand that the spiritual disciplines or practices in themselves earn us nothing. Instead, they place us before God using the mind, body, and spirit so that we can come to know him better. These practices are the avenues for which God uses to enact heart transformation and sanctification of our hearts, minds, and souls. They are intended to bring joy and free us from the weight of selfishness and fear. Conquering sin is not a matter of will. “Willpower will never succeed in dealing with the deeply ingrained habits of sin.” Our willpower will never be able to change the spirit like the power of God will. Taking the path of disciplined grace will not change us on our own, but it will continue to direct us towards transformation and healing through the joys and sorrows.
Meditation: In a world full of chaos and noise, we are longing to experience the peace and stillness that comes from following Christ. Meditation involves listening to His word, reflecting on His work, rehearsing His deed, and ruminating on the law. The emphasis of meditation is repentance and obedience. Biblical characters were spoken to by God, because they made the space to listen. Despite the common belief, Jesus has not quit speaking to us. “He is alive and among us as our Priest to forgive us, our Prophet to teach us, our king to rule us, our Shepherd to guide us.” Some of the reasons people avoid meditation include: #1 It feels pagan like Eastern meditation. However, Eastern meditation seeks to empty the mind while Christian meditation seeks to fill the mind with God’s truth. There is nothing wrong with focusing on detachment from evil as long as we also work towards attachment to Jesus. #2 It is too challenging and should be left to the spiritual masters. #3 It doesn’t have a place in our modern society. #4 Meditation is just a religious form of psychological manipulation. When used properly it is our access to the Spiritual world and communication between our Lord and His creation. Although there may be valid concerns with the use of imagination to meditate due to our sinful nature or the Evil One, God can use our imagination to teach us in a way that no one else can. So how do we go about meditation? One way to start is by meditating on a scripture and allowing it to consume your mind, heart, and spirit. Another is to practice the “palms down, palms up” method. Palms down is a time of turning over the burdens and weights of the world to Christ and palms up is a time for us to receive from the Lord. Another option is to meditate on creation and the beauty of God, and, finally, you can meditate on current events to gain prophetic perspective.
Prayer: Prayer is the most central of the Spiritual Disciplines because it “ushers us into perpetual communion with the Father.” Prayer is the avenue that God uses to change and transform us, and if we are unwilling to change then we tend to stray away from the utilization of prayer. When we pray “rightly” we are transformed into holding the Lord’s passions and willing his will for ourselves and from his viewpoint. He did mention a controversial belief that prayer will change God’s mind. I personally disagree. I believe that God’s will has already been established before we ever came to be, but our prayers are used as part of the plan. In other words, because we chose to pray and petition God, then he blessed us with an answer. When we pray for guidance or relinquishment (letting go of our will), we should be praying for if it is thy will, because we are unclear of what he wants for our lives. Prayer is to be approached like original research in science. We shouldn’t wait until it is perfected to begin. Instead, we try something and adjust whatever is not working. We must be cautious not to make prayer too difficult. Openness, honesty, and trust are what leads to intimacy in your prayers to God. Likewise, there isn’t any reason to avoid bringing simple requests in confidence to the Lord. There is no time, place, or request that must occur. Instead, we are to pray without ceasing at all times.
Fasting: Fasting is one of the more intriguing yet intimidating of the disciplines. We currently live in a world that fears starvation from one week without food. In fact, people are more likely to fast for vanity or heath reasons rather than for the intended spiritual motivation. Typically, fasting is to be a private and humble event that is kept between you and God. Fasting must center on God. It must be ordained and initiated by him. Fasting, more than any other discipline, reveals what controls us. When fasting, we must recognize that we are the master of our own minds, hearts, and stomachs and not a slave to the worldly desires. We cover what is inside with food, social media, and other good things, but during our fast those issues are brought to the surface. We are then able to experience joy in this revelation, because by His power, God offers us healing. “God sustains us, not food. While fasting, we are actually feasting on the word of God.” Finally, when participating in the fast, we are not to complain or act miserable, because we are not miserable. Instead, we are to appear to perform as normal outwardly, but inwardly we are to be in constant prayer, gratitude, and worship
Study: Our mind is renewed by applying it to the things that will ultimately transform it. While other disciplines may provide us with good feelings, they do not free us. Without knowledge of truth, we will not be free. There are four steps of study: Repetition ---> Concentration ---> Comprehension ---> Reflection. Concentration focuses on centering the mind and avoiding distraction. When we not only repeatedly focus the mind in a particular direction, centering our attention on the subject, but understand what we are studying, we reach a new level. Comprehension focuses on the knowledge of truth by reaching the “Aha” moment that catapults us into new growth, freedom, insight, and discernment. Reflection is where we experience the significance of what we are studying. When studying, we should place high-priority on interpretation of scripture (what it means), but unfortunately high priority is typically placed on application (What it means for me). What should we study? Large portions of scripture is a great place to start. Another approach to the study of the Bible is to read a smaller book of the Bible every single day of the month for an entire year. There can also be study of nonverbal “books” – the observation of reality in nature, things, events, and actions. For example, “watch how much of our speech is aimed at justifying our actions. We find it almost impossible to act and allow the act to speak for itself. No, we must explain it, justify it, demonstrate the rightness of it. Why do we feel this compulsion to set the record straight? Because of pride and fear, because our reputations are at stake?" (p. 74). When we watch for the things that control people, we are able to observe their feelings and learn from it. Likewise, one of the main studies of study should be ourselves with the intention of learning what controls us with an attitude of humility and grace. Finally, remember study produces joy.
Meditation introduces us to our inner lives, fasting is an accompanying means, study transforms our minds, but prayer brings up to the deepest and largest work of the human spirit.
Simplicity: Simplicity is an area that I really want to practice more often, because I love the freedom of simplicity. Simplicity is an inward reality that leads to an outward life-style. Jesus believes that wherever you find the treasures, you will also find the heart. Simplicity is not disapproving of possessions, but simply appropriately recognizing their value. Jesus speaks more to economics including money and possessions more than any other single social issue. The central point of simplicity is to seek the kingdom of God and the righteousness of His kingdom FIRST. After that, everything else will come into its proper order. Freedom from our anxieties is one of the inward evidences of seeking first the kingdom of God. There are three inner attitudes that are crucial to the discipline of simplicity. Firstly, we recognize that what we have received is a gift from God. Secondly, it is God’s business, and not ours, to care for what we have so we must trust in Him with our things. Finally, we must be generous with our belongings and offer them to others freely. To be successful, we can focus on buying for usefulness not status, rejects things that produce addiction, habitually give things away, be simple in our speech, and shun distractions that prevent us from seeking first the kingdom of God.
Solitude: More than any of the disciplines, the fear of being alone scares me. This fear drives us to pursue a constant stream of words and noise. Solitude, however, is not loneliness but inner fulfillment. We must seek out the stillness of solitude for valuable community while also seeking out fellowship and accountability to be alone securely. Both are necessary for obedience. Solitude demands a heart of listening to God with open eyes. “The disciplined person is the person who can do what needs to be done when it needs to be done.” Discernment for moderation is the key for success. The best part of the whole book was personal for me in saying “I said more than was required of me. Being soon sensible of my error, I was afflicted in mind some weeks, without any light or comfort, even to that degree that I could not take satisfaction in anything...Yet I said a few words in a meeting, in which I found peace” (p.100 - 101). I have all too often, felt this exact feeling of remorse in over sharing. I need to recognize that silence is “intimately related to trust.” Unfortunately, “we fear so deeply what we think other people see in us that we talk in order to straighten out their understanding.” Silence puts a stop on self-justification and encourages us to allow God to be our defender of reputation. We can experience solitude by taking advantage of the “little solitudes” of the day, developing a “quiet place,” doing deeds that go unknown, becoming known as people who have something to say when we speak, withdrawing quarterly to hear from God, and annual retreats for the sole purpose of silence and solitude.
Submission: Submission is commonly abused, but it is truly intended to give freedom. Submission is the ability to lay down the burden of always needing to get our own way. It is helpful to remember that most decisions in life are not as important as we make them out to be. The best way to experience submission is to be silent and encompass a spirit of grace that extends beyond language or action. It does not mean self-contempt or loss of identity. Instead, we learn that serving our neighbors is far better than having it our own way. Submission does not encourage martyrdom or self-pity, but freedom and joy. Jesus shows us that power in leadership comes from being the servant and submitting. How do we submit? “It is not an evasion of the issues to say that in defining the limits of submission, we are catapulted into a deep dependence upon the Holy Spirit.” If we had a book of rules to cover every circumstance, then we would have no need for dependence. We commonly submit in seven distinct ways: to God, to Scripture, to our family, to our neighbors and those we meet, the believing community, the body of Christ, the broken and despised, and to the world through environmental responsibility. We are commanded to submit to human authority until it becomes destructive or if it is not in alignment with the Word of God.
Service: With regards to the discipline of servanthood, No one wants to be considered the least, and serving requires us to submit to the mundane, ordinary, and trivial. However, Jesus modeled that the best leaders participate in the “small tasks.” It is important to consider our attitude of serving. Self-righteous service demands external reward and appreciation, is concerned about results, picks and chooses whom to serve, is affected by moods and whims, is temporary, is insensitive, and fractures community. On the other hand, true service quietly and unpretentiously cares for the needs of others as it works to draws, binds, heals, builds. It is only with true service that the grace of humility can grow within us. It is one thing to act like a servant, and it is quite another to be a servant. Serving can also include allowing others to serve us, common courtesy, hospitality, listening, bearing of one another’s burdens, and sharing the word of life with one another. Holding one’s tongue and praying that God would bring us someone to serve is a great place to start.
Confession: When approaching confession, we must recognize that at the heart of God is a desire to give and forgive. Jesus’s act of redemption is what makes confession and forgiveness of our sins possible. Confession is an act of grace but also a discipline because there are things we must do. First, when we recognize other believers are sinners, we are free to confess openly to them as the Bible commands us to be sinners together. Additionally, we can practice confession by spending time asking God to reveal things in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood that we need forgiveness or healing for. Then share with a friend, destroy the list, and pray a prayer for healing. “Freedom begets freedom.” When one person confesses, it prompts others to respond in confession as well. For a good confession, there should be an examination of conscience, sorrow, and a determination to avoid sin. A “blanket” confession may prevent a blow to our pride, but it does not offer the healing we desire. Thankfully, we don’t have to make God “willing” to forgive. When looking for a person to confess openly with, seek someone who will not condemn or excuse your behavior as well as someone with: spiritual maturity, wisdom, compassion, common sense, good character, and a sense of humor. When others confess to us, we must recognize our own sins as being detrimental so we do not fall into the pit of judging others. Additionally, during their confession we should be praying for an increase of the light of Christ within us so that we can shine that light back onto them. Honesty leads to confession and confession leads to change.
Worship: Worship is commonly thrown around, but rarely understood. Worship is intended to be a human response to the divine initiative. True worship happens when Spirit touches spirit. We are called to worship God both for who he is and what he has done. Commonly, Christians will idolize serving over worship, but both are important when following Jesus. If we approach worship with confidence in God, then we may be able to encounter Him in bigger ways. Additionally, if we live throughout the week as an heir of the kingdom, listening for his voice, and obeying His word, then we can also experience Him in in public worship. Genuine worship is to be led by Jesus and He will decide what means will be used to move for His glory. When we are able to still humanness, sometimes through the help of a worship leader, the Holy Spirit can dominate and inform the corporate worship. Additionally, preaching from the heart Is valued, because it enflames the spirit of worship when preaching from the head for knowledge smothers the fiery spirit. Our bodily stance is important to consider. There will be times to praise, shout, adore, sing, and dance and there will also be times for humility and inner worship. We must seek God to determine what he desires for our worship and avoid acting out of fear of what others think. We are to approach worship by cultivating a holy dependency that means we are utterly dependent on God for movement. Finally, just as worship begins in holy expectancy, it ends in holy obedience. If the experience does not propel us into greater obedience, it has not been worship. To worship is to change.
Guidance: Many have experienced rich guidance from God individually, but he can also guide groups and can instruct people through group experiences. Jesus gave his disciples assurance that His will could be discerned, because they were able to pray and act with authority. His will + their unity = authority. When seeking guidance corporately was done correctly, they not only were victorious in coming to a decision, but also in establishing a good process for decision making. They “dared to live on the basis of Spirit-rule, no fifty-one percent vote, no compromises, but Spirit-directed unity and it worked.” With this in mind, it is important to remember that God appoints leadership so work can be done on Earth. We are limited by our finite selves that keep us from a Spirit-led unity. Ministry will inevitably lead to disagreement just as it did in the scriptures, but it must be done with grace. Scripture must permeate all thinking and acting as it alone functions as guidance itself. The ordinary kinds of caring and sharing that belong in Christian community are starting points for spiritual direction. Out of that, will flow “kingdom authority” through mutual subordination and servanthood. It is important not to seek just anyone for guidance, but to seek a spiritually mature director who values peace and unity.
Celebration: We often celebrate, but we rarely recognize celebration as a spiritual discipline. Celebration brings joy into life, and joy makes us strong. Without joy, the disciplines become dull, legalistic, and prevent fruit and life from flowing out of us. God’s typical means of bringing His joy is by redeeming and sanctifying the occasions of human life. However, scriptures command us to live in a spirit of thanksgiving in the midst of all circumstances and avoid celebrating the presence of evil. When we trust in God, we are free to rely entirely on him to meet our needs and live in a spirit of carefree celebration. We are called to let go of our need to be profound and participate in singing, dancing, laughter, and all the practices of celebration.