Day 5 - Super Spirituality

Scripture Reading —Luke 18:9-14; Matthew 25

In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees defined their spiritual stature by their disciplines. They believed they were superior because of their spiritual habits, such as fasting. That kind of mindset leads lots of people to believe that spiritual disciplines are only for the “spiritual elite.”

But when Jesus tells his followers the traits he is looking for, he does not mention disciplines such as prayer, fasting, or confession. He indicates that he is looking for lives that have been transformed. He wants to see followers who feed the hungry, visit the imprisoned, and clothe the naked. Biblically, authentic spirituality is seen as grounded in humility, obedience, and the power of Christ working in and through us, rather than an attempt to appear more spiritual than others. 

The purpose of disciplines is not to show our holiness or earn us favor with God. They are exercises that help us grow nearer to God. Even if you have never thought about practicing spiritual disciplines, you probably already have some habits that help you grow nearer to God. Whenever you pray, attend worship, read the Bible, or do daily devotions, you are setting aside time to develop a habit to help you grow and to help you know God more fully. These disciplines transform us from the inside out.

Holy Spirit, may the habits of faithful living draw me nearer to You. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.