Discipleship Practices

Recently I wrote about Loving-Kindness Meditation as a "discipleship practice." A couple of years ago I probably would have spoken of "spiritual disciplines." I've come to realize, however, that the language of "practice" is more descriptive of the way we mature as disciples. It implies a holistic, integrated, Christ-centered life.

"Discipline" often suggests a punitive experience, something that we dread rather than enjoy. Harsh discipline can break us down rather than build us up.

There is certainly an element of testing involved in following Christ. The way to be prepared when the test comes is to be already living a life shaped by cooperation with God's grace. That "cooperation with God's grace" is our practice.

Think of a lawyer practicing law or a doctor practicing medicine. In the same way a follower of Jesus practices the way of Jesus. There is nothing punitive about seeking to become more excellent as a person of prayer, hospitality, and generosity. As we learn more of Jesus, we claim our responsibility to live a growing faith in an environment which is always changing and challenging.

Discipleship practices reflect a desire to connect our faith with our daily living. As Dorothy C. Bass wrote, "It becomes our deepest hope to become partners in God's reconciling love for the world. We are never able to do this perfectly, at least not for any length of time. Even so, when we set ordinary daily activities in this context, they are transformed, and so are we." (Practicing Our Faith, p. 8)

In future weeks we will explore additional discipleship practices. Let our commitment be to grow toward excellence as followers of Jesus, aware that we are not alone. Best of all, when we stumble and fall short, one of the traditional discipleship practices is confession and forgiveness.