Spiritual Formation Journey-Part Two

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MW Editor’s Note:  Last time we took a look at the first three stages of spiritual formation (in context of my journey): Belief in God, Life of Discipleship, The Productive Life, and the proverbial Wall. This time,we’ll look at the next three stages. If you have not read Part One, check it out first.

Wall

Some of us start the Christian life with gusto. We’re excited for the forgiveness God offers us in Christ, and we truly want to experience the new creation we are in Him.  For some of us, the Wall never materializes. And, that’s a good thing. Really good.

For some of us, me included, the Wall comes out of nowhere. Like a crash dummy, we are in full-on forward motion only to be slammed by the unexpected. Walls come in many forms. A well-intended leader wounds you deeply. You feel stabbed in the back, betrayed. Or, in your eagerness to serve the Lord, your well-meaning efforts catch up with you. You are physically and spiritually worn-out. 

Despite emotions to the contrary, God has not abandoned you. He is very present in the confusion and pain. His heart for you is ever eager to walk with you through the next stages. Let’s journey together.

Stage 4: Journey Inward.

One of the core results of salvation in Christ God gives us is sonship. We are his adopted sons and daughters. In the split-second we trust Christ, we get all of the Holy Spirit. Our identity is now as a redeemed son. You and I, in Christ, belong to Him. God is our Father, and like the true, holy, loving Father he is, His every move towards us is for our good.

There is a deeper side to living the Christian life that shifts the lead off of us and onto Him.  The shift came for me when Galatians 2:20 popped off the page like never before!

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And, the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Connected to this, (which is now my life verse), is this quote:

“God made no provision for you to live the Christian life. You are not supposed to go out and be a Christian. He made every provision for the Holy Spirit to live the life of Christ through you. Therefore, you do not have to try harder, only to yield more.”

Say what?! Trying harder does not work. Part of me hitting the wall was because I thought my identity was in my efforts, in my over-volunteering, relying on my own strength. The inner life of Christ was not on my radar. 

John 15 is commonly known as the Abide chapter.  Jesus is explaining to his disciples their need to dwell in Him; to stay deeply connected. To live such a dependent life on Him, your every moment, every microdecision is evidence of Christ living supernaturally through you.

In our material world, even we Christians struggle with this idea of the supernatural, but that does not negate its reality. Christ is real and present right now. 

As I have pursued the inward life of Christ, I have noticed a change in how I think. What I value shifts towards his desires. Shame, which is defeated by Christ on the cross, becomes a living reality. He shows me areas where I can surrender. When I cooperate with Him, as Curt Thompson, MD, (neuropsychiatrist and follower of Jesus), explains, the very neural networks in our brains modify towards more Christ-likeness.

Practicing the presence of Jesus is a paced, focused pursuit of a deepening relationship with Him. Yes, time in the Word, in prayer, in community focused on Him. Yes, from the outside, it looks like spiritual disciplines. But, as I remind myself, Jesus isn’t a timeslot; he’s my life. There is never a moment, 24/7, when Jesus is not present. Inviting him in is the key.

Stage 5: Journey Outward

When Christ is your inward life, you know it’s having its impact when it affects your outer life. The thousands of seemingly benign microdecisions I make are actually thousands of supernatural opportunities to practice the presence of Christ as a lifestyle that is moving towards God.

Some of the ways I see Jesus in me impacting my outward life are in my stewardship.  How I manage time and possessions, including finances.  

Recently, we sold a good, reliable car to our son and his wife. Their nearly 20-year-old vehicle was not going to survive an upcoming move to the mountains. Our 8-year-old AWD (All Wheel Drive) still had much life left in it. Knowing we kept up on maintenance, its value to our son and his wife made it a good deal for both of us.  

That transaction also meant a replacement vehicle for my wife and me. Some people go out, make a purchase, and move on, never asking the Lord for his input. We did, however. We prayed not only about selling our car, but also about what vehicle and through whom we should purchase. This is not a crystal ball-specific, connect-the-dots decision, but one made with godly wisdom, knowing Jesus is present in the process.  

Making this decision, the way we did, was rooted in my identity as a son. Knowing God as my Father, and that I am a co-heir with Jesus, I could make these transactions with confidence in my sonship in Christ.

Stage 6: Life of Love

That leads us to living a life of love, loving others the way Jesus loves others. Why?  Christ living his life through me will be seen in my relationships. 

Mentoring is a deep-seated passion of mine and my wife’s. We love connecting with young adults in ways that walk with them through the twists, turns, and joys of life: getting fired, falling in love, proposing for marriage, having children, and handling a relational breakup. The list can seem endless.

It’s not because I am walking with Jesus inwardly and outwardly that I will have all the answers for others, but that Christ, invited into the circumstances, into the relationships, will lead to healthier lives and the presence of Christ permeating our now. 

And God is glorified, which is the most important!

Full Circle

It’s easy to think once you are past the wall, walking with Jesus inwardly, outwardly, and as a life of love will be easy peasy. I’ve long ago ditched the trite “flowers and trees and walks in the parks” sales pitch some well-meaning Christians try to convince me of. 

I’m not naive, nor cynical. All I know is as I walk inwardly with Christ, He is orchestrating something far larger, far more glorious; even in what seems like mundane. And that is what makes spiritual formation worth every moment.

Spiritual formation is less about checking off the boxes of the six stages outlined in this two-part article and more about pursuing the deeper life of sonship in Christ. 

Wherever you are, He is present. Whatever you are going through, you are a son, loved by Him. Your maturity, the story being written is less about the situations and circumstances you face, and more about you growing as a son.

One final thought. Spiritual formation in community is God’s wonderful way of growing each of us. 

Warrior On!

MW Editor’s Note:  Need guidance with your spiritual formation journey?  Reach out to us at info@mentoring-warriors.com  We will listen to your story and suggest next steps you can take.