“We are not using spiritual practices to somehow create a life or persona we imagine is worthwhile, as if the goal of spiritual practices is to feel centered, whole, or non-anxious. This might become true, but it is not the goal. These feelings often seduce us into achieving something we can create in ourselves rather than using these practices to lay down our lives to Christ.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.”- 1 John 4:7 (ESV)
Kyle Strobel and John Coe continue Chapter 9 of When God Seems Distant as they stress that our formation requires more than willpower and effort alone. Our formation also happens through our union and communion with God, in Christ.
Above all, with the power of the Holy Spirit, our lives must conform to Christ. However, Kyle and John note, this is not something done against us. Rather, it’s what happens as we embrace Christ via the Holy Spirit. Because the calling of the Christian is to abide to bear fruit, the authors assert, the call in every season remains the same. To draw near to the Lord.
Hence, we draw near to the Lord and offer ourselves to Him. As we walk by faith, we see the truth and take it to Christ. Where we find healing.
In conclusion, Kyle and John counsel:
“If you use [spiritual practices] to grow, you will lose sight of Jesus. If you try to from yourself, you will do exactly that, self-formation. But if you abide in him, grasping his life and making him your refuge, you will discover life in him. The formation we are called to . . . happens face-to-face with him as we draw near in the truth of our lives.”
Today’s question: What do you see as the goal of your spiritual practices? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Empower a self-formed life?”