This year, I decided to focus on developing Spiritual Disciplines. Except that I had no idea exactly what those were. I knew there was prayer, fasting, Bible reading, evangelism, and journalling. Was giving a Spiritual Discipline? The specifics were hazy, so I set out to clear it up. A quick Google search landed me with this book – Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney. I was able to download the 1991 version for free from a legit website (which, unfortunately, I was not able to bookmark.) I’ve only just discovered that there is a study guide for small groups, as well as an updated 2014 version. A preview of the books can be read online via Google books.
Reading Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life would benefit believers at any stage of their faith walk or earthly life. If you are serious about becoming more and more Christ-like, this is one of those books that can be foundational in your personal journey with Jesus. Practical, relevant, and insightful, Whitney explains each discipline with examples and backs it up with Biblical references. Each chapter ends with application questions, leading you to action points that will progress your spiritual growth. A more comprehensive review can be found on Tim Challies’ blog.
If you want a PDF copy of the 1991 e-book, drop me a line and I’ll be happy to send it your way.
Finally, here is an excerpt from the closing chapter of the book –
…if you desire to be Godly, you must face the fact that you will always be busy. To do what God wants most, that is, to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as you love yourself (Mark 12:29-31), can’t be done in your spare time. To love God and others in deed and in word will result in a busy life. This is not to say that God wants us to live hectic lives, but rather to affirm that Godly people are never lazy people.
~ Donald S. Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
