Monday, April 25, 2011

Thoughts on Spiritual Formation from Dallas Willard

Dr. Willard hits it right on the head in 'The Great Ommission' when assessing the problem with emphasis in current evangelical spiritual formation practices.  Which of 'the latter' do you practice?  Do I? 

“Public and private worship, study of scripture, nature, and God’s acts in human history, prayer, giving to godly causes, and service to others can all be highly effective elements in spiritual formation.  But they mus tbe thoughtfully and resolutely approached for that purpose, or they will have little or no effect in promoting it.  Other less commonly practiced activities, such as fasting, solitude, silence, listening prayer, scripture memorization, frugal livng, confession, journaling, submission to the will of others as appropriate, and well-used spiritual direction, are in fact more foundational for spiritual formation in Christ-likeness than the better-known religious practices and are essential for their profitable use.”  No formula can be written for spiritual formation, for it is a dynamic relationship and one that is highly individualized. One can be sure, however, that any God-blessed undertaking of spiritual formation will include much of what has just been mentioned here.”  --Pg. 107 of 'The Great Omission"