The Great Omission

1. Spiritual formation is the process of becoming Christ-like

Christian spiritual formation is the redemptive process of forming the inner human world so that it takes on the character of the inner being of Christ himself.

Holistic transformation. Spiritual formation involves the entire person - thoughts, emotions, will, and actions. It's not just about outward behavior, but a deep inner change that reflects Christ's character. This process is ongoing and requires intentional effort and God's grace.

Beyond religious activities. While practices like Bible study and prayer are important, they alone don't guarantee transformation. True spiritual formation goes deeper, affecting one's worldview, motivations, and core identity. It's about becoming a new creation in Christ, not just modifying behavior.

• Key aspects of spiritual formation:
  • Renewing the mind (Romans 12:2)
  • Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
  • Growing in love for God and others
  • Developing spiritual discernment
  • Aligning one's will with God's purposes

2. Discipleship requires obedience and active engagement

As disciples (literally students) of Jesus, our goal is to learn to be like him.

Beyond belief. Discipleship is not just about believing in Jesus, but actively following Him and learning His ways. It involves a commitment to obey Christ's teachings and apply them in daily life. This requires effort, intentionality, and a willingness to be changed.

Practical steps. Becoming a disciple involves concrete actions and practices. It's not passive or automatic, but requires deliberate choices to align one's life with Christ's teachings. This might involve:

• Regular study of Jesus' teachings and life
• Practicing spiritual disciplines (prayer, fasting, service)
• Engaging in Christian community for accountability and support
• Applying biblical principles to decision-making and lifestyle choices
• Sharing faith with others and participating in Christ's mission

3. The soul is the core of human personality and needs restoration

The soul is that entity within a person that integrates all of the components of his or her life into their life, one life.

Central importance. The soul is not just a religious concept, but the core of human identity and personality. It's the integrating center that brings coherence to thoughts, emotions, and actions. Understanding and nurturing the soul is crucial for holistic well-being and spiritual growth.

Need for healing. Due to sin and brokenness, the human soul often becomes fragmented and disordered. Spiritual formation involves the restoration and realignment of the soul with God's intentions. This process includes:

• Recognizing the reality and dignity of the soul
• Addressing areas of woundedness or dysfunction
• Cultivating virtues and godly character
• Aligning one's will with God's purposes
• Developing a deep, experiential relationship with God

4. Spiritual disciplines are essential for growth and transformation

Spiritual disciplines are activities in our power that we engage in to enable us to do what we cannot do by direct effort.

Tools for growth. Spiritual disciplines are not ends in themselves, but means to cultivate a deeper relationship with God and Christ-like character. They create space for God's transforming work in our lives. Common disciplines include:

• Prayer and meditation
• Fasting
• Study of Scripture
• Solitude and silence
• Service and acts of compassion
• Worship and celebration
• Confession and accountability

Intentional practice. Disciplines require consistent effort and often feel uncomfortable at first. They are like spiritual exercises that strengthen our "spiritual muscles." The goal is not perfection, but progress in becoming more like Christ.

• Benefits of spiritual disciplines:
  • Increased awareness of God's presence
  • Greater self-control and emotional stability
  • Deeper insight into Scripture and God's will
  • Improved ability to resist temptation
  • Growth in love, joy, and other fruits of the Spirit

5. Solitude and silence are foundational practices for spiritual development

Solitude and silence are primary means for correcting the distortions of our embodied social existence.

Countercultural practices. In a world of constant noise and distraction, solitude and silence are radical disciplines that help us reconnect with God and our true selves. They create space for deep reflection, healing, and transformation.

Practical application. Incorporating solitude and silence into one's life doesn't require becoming a hermit. It can involve:

• Setting aside regular times for quiet reflection and prayer
• Periodic retreats or "technology fasts"
• Creating moments of stillness throughout the day
• Practicing mindful awareness of God's presence
• Learning to listen deeply to God and others

Benefits of solitude and silence:

• Reduced anxiety and mental clutter
• Increased self-awareness and emotional regulation
• Enhanced ability to hear God's voice
• Greater clarity of purpose and priorities
• Deeper capacity for empathy and compassion

6. Jesus exemplified logical thinking and intelligent discourse

We need to understand that Jesus is a thinker, that this is not a dirty word but an essential work, and that his other attributes do not preclude thought, but only ensure that he is certainly the greatest thinker of the human race.

Intellectual engagement. Jesus wasn't just a spiritual teacher, but a master of logic and reasoning. His teachings and debates demonstrate keen intelligence and the ability to engage complex ideas. This challenges the false dichotomy between faith and intellect.

Practical implications. Recognizing Jesus as an intellectual role model encourages Christians to:

• Engage seriously with ideas and cultural issues
• Develop critical thinking skills
• Approach faith with both heart and mind
• Value education and lifelong learning
• Articulate beliefs with clarity and reason

Examples of Jesus' logical approach:

• Use of parables to illustrate complex truths
• Skilled debates with religious leaders
• Asking probing questions to stimulate thought
• Drawing logical conclusions from Scripture
• Exposing faulty reasoning in his opponents

7. Constant awareness of God's presence transforms daily life

Can I bring God back in my mind-flow every few seconds so that God shall always be in my mind as an after-image, shall always be one of the elements in every concept and percept?

Practicing the presence. The goal is to cultivate a continuous awareness of God's presence in every moment and activity. This isn't about constant verbal prayer, but a background consciousness of God's reality and involvement in one's life.

Practical strategies. Developing this awareness takes intentional effort and practice. Some approaches include:

• Using visual or auditory reminders throughout the day
• Associating routine activities with prayer or reflection
• Practicing "breath prayers" or short mental invocations
• Viewing all tasks, even mundane ones, as service to God
• Regular pauses for conscious reconnection with God

Benefits of constant God-awareness:

• Increased sense of peace and purpose
• Greater alignment of actions with God's will
• Reduced anxiety and self-centeredness
• Enhanced ability to see God at work in daily life
• Deepened sense of intimacy with God

8. Christian spirituality is distinct and transformative

The exclusiveness of Christian spirituality and spiritual formation lies simply in the life it is and brings.

Unique focus. While there are commonalities with other spiritual traditions, Christian spirituality is centered on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. This distinguishes it from mere self-improvement or generic spirituality.

Practical outcomes. Authentic Christian spirituality should lead to observable changes in character and behavior. These include:

• Growing love for God and others
• Increased fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
• Greater alignment with biblical values and ethics
• Desire for Christian community and service
• Deepening prayer life and spiritual disciplines

Distinctive elements of Christian spirituality:

• Emphasis on grace, not just personal effort
• Centrality of Christ's life, death, and resurrection
• Role of the Holy Spirit in transformation
• Importance of Scripture as God's revelation
• Eschatological hope and eternal perspective

9. Character development is central to spiritual growth

The quality of our souls will indelibly touch others for good or for ill.

Focus on inner transformation. True spiritual growth isn't just about outward actions or religious knowledge, but the development of Christ-like character. This involves the cultivation of virtues, emotional maturity, and a transformed will.

Ripple effect. Our character profoundly impacts those around us, often in ways we don't realize. As we grow in Christ-likeness, we become more effective witnesses and agents of positive change in the world.

Key aspects of character development:

• Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.)
• Developing emotional intelligence and self-awareness
• Growing in integrity and authenticity
• Practicing forgiveness and reconciliation
• Nurturing humility and servant-heartedness

10. Integration of faith and intellect is crucial for Christian living

Once we learn that grace is not opposed to effort (action)—though it is opposed to earning (attitude)—the way is open for us to "work out" all that is involved in our salvation.

Holistic approach. Faith and reason are not enemies, but complementary aspects of a mature Christian life. Intellectual engagement strengthens faith, while faith provides a framework for understanding and applying knowledge.

Practical integration. Christians are called to love God with all their mind, not just their heart. This involves:

• Serious study of Scripture and theology
• Engaging with cultural and intellectual issues
• Developing critical thinking skills
• Applying Christian worldview to all areas of life
• Pursuing excellence in one's field of work or study

Benefits of faith-intellect integration:

• Deeper, more resilient faith
• Ability to engage effectively with skeptics and seekers
• Greater impact in one's profession or academic field
• Enhanced ability to discern truth and navigate complexity
• Richer, more holistic worship and spiritual life

Last updated: August 14, 2024