Spiritual Disciplines of Activity

Today’s reading is out of John 15:4-5. Begin today’s devotion by reading this passage in your Bible.

The spiritual disciplines have classically fallen under two main categories: disciplines of activity, and disciplines of letting go. Today we focus on the active disciplines which include, but are not limited to:

  • Bible Study – Digging deeper into the Word to understand the original and inspired meaning, by considering the grammar, context, and theology of a text or passage.
  • Worship – Praising God for His greatness and worth utilizing music, nature, or art.
  • Prayer – Connecting with God through communication and companionship.
  • Confession – Owning our wrongdoings, and seeking and receiving God’s
    forgiveness, so as to restore our conscience to God’s renewing work.
  • Scripture memorization – Impressing God’s truths upon our hearts so that we
    can carry His promises with us wherever we go.
  • Gratitude – Giving thanks to God for His goodness and faithfulness.

For more on the spiritual disciplines, we encourage you to read Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline. Let’s read Jesus’ words again about staying connected to Him and reflect on how to do this in practical ways.

John 15:4-5 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Reflect

  1. Jesus encourages us to “remain in” Him. This practice of abiding is the heart of spiritual disciplines. How do you see the disciplines of activity (listed above), as helping you abide in the love of Christ?
  2. In John 15:5 Jesus draws the connection between our abiding, and the fruit we produce. What benefits, or “fruit,” do you see in your life when you are actively practicing the disciplines?
  3. Consider the list of active disciplines above. Which one comes most naturally to you? Why?
  4. Which one is the most challenging to practice? Why?

Act

Over the next week, choose one of the disciplines listed above to practice each day. Feel free to share this experience with your life group members next week. Practice the discipline of Scripture memorization by memorizing John 15:5 this week.

Pray

God, lead me into deeper discovery in the ways in which I connect best with You. Then inspire me to make these abiding practices in my life. Show me how these practices draw me closer to You and help me grow in my desire to connect with You every day. Amen.