This week, I’m trying to flush out 3 spiritual desires inside me that I felt like I really needed to work on in the next 3 months between my birthday and my wedding anniversary.
The first is called a “RULE FOR LIFE“. Essentially this “rule” is not really just one practice, but rather a set of practices or spiritual rhythms that someone decides are necessary for their own continual spiritual growth. They must be intentional and purposeful. Made famous by The Rule of Saint Benedict that was some 73 chapters long… mine will be much shorter than that.
The Spiritual Disciplines Handbook that I’m using for class suggests that a Rule For Life will “honor your limits and God-given longings. It goes against grandiosity and must be written for who you are, not for who you aren’t.” It also says that it can change and adjust as you do, but not like on a whim. It also should not be a legalistic set of rules, but instead a set of agreements that help you to say yes to what is most important and no to what is not. It is a plumb line, allowing you a central focus point from which you can intentionally evaluate your spiritual journey.
I wrote a set of personal core values about a year ago. I think a Rule For Life is essentially the flushing out of how I’m going to do the first two.
- PLEASE GOD, NOT PEOPLE.
- TAKE CARE OF MY SOUL AND MY FAMILY BEFORE MY MINISTRY.
Brian,
This is great man! I read “Emotionally Healthy Spiritually about 5 months ago and have yet to flush out my “rule of life”. I have a good plan on my daily office but that been compromised lately and I need to realign on it.
Thanks for sharing this!