Spiritual Discipline: Intentional Living
“… train yourself in godliness, for the training of the body has a limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” -- 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (HCSB)
When my children were little, I was disciplined in keeping a tight schedule. If I didn’t, they’d become cranky. We ate at specific times and had an iron clad bedtime. Their schedule was important so they would grow strong and healthy. It was necessary for my well-being, as well. I needed to make sure I had downtime along with time for my husband and me to reconnect after a long day.
Don’t we all schedule what is important and beneficial to us? Even though my children are grown, I am still disciplined in keeping appointments and events scheduled. I also eat and go to bed around the same time each day. It would not go well if I continuously skipped a bedtime or multiple meals. So, why is it difficult to discipline myself to schedule time with God? I always have good intentions, however, before I know it, the night is gone and I’ve not spent any time with Him.
Spiritual discipline is an important part of a Christian’s well-being. These practices help believers grow spiritually. 1 Timothy 4: 7-8 reminds us to train ourselves in godliness because godliness is beneficial in every way. It holds promises for the present life and the life to come.
Spiritual disciplines can be difficult because the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit (Galatians 5:17 HCSB). I can relate to Paul in Romans 7: 15-20 when he says, “For I do not understand what I am doing, because I do not practice what I want to do, but I do what I hate.” I watch a lot of TV. I know it is not time well spent, but I do it anyway.
I know I must be intentional in practicing spiritual disciplines. Recently, I decided to schedule specific times to study my Bible and listen to the Word. For instance, I set an alarm on my phone for 8 pm every evening. When the alarm goes off, I stop what I’m doing, go to the kitchen table where my books are, grab a cup of tea, and dive into the Word of God. In the morning, I listen to Psalms while getting ready for work. A couple of spiritual disciplines I’m still working on is a consistent way to memorize scripture and prayer.
It is important to find practical ways to implement intentional spiritual growth. It will help us draw closer to God while growing our faith. As Paul noted in 1 Corinthians 9:27, "I must discipline my body and bring it under strict control." "I want to live according to the Spirit and have the mindset of the Spirit which is life. (Romans 8:5 HCSB). Spiritual disciplines are commanded by God. So, let’s continue to surrender ourselves to the one who created us and loves us by being intentional with our time.
Question for Reflection:
How can you be more intentional with your time? God wants to spend time with you. Could it be waking up early, or setting an evening alarm? Could you put scripture verses on your mirror to memorize? Draw closer to God by spending time with Him.
Morning Prayer
Lord, thank you for your desire to spend time with me. Help me to be intentional by finding a place and time to practice the spiritual disciplines you’ve commanded. I want to live according to the Spirit and not by my flesh. In You, I find my strength. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
