Embracing the Love of Jesus Through Practice and Perseverance
When we talk about spiritual disciplines—things like prayer, reading Scripture, serving, or fasting—it’s easy to think of them as chores or boxes to check off on a religious to-do list. In reality, these practices are nothing less than expressions of our love for Jesus. They are the ways we say, “I want to be like the one I love.” Spiritual disciplines are not cold routines; they are the loving habits of those who have encountered the warmth of Christ’s heart and want to let that love shape their own lives.
Imagine a group of friends, all with hearts on fire for God, coming together in what’s often called the “fellowship of the burning heart.” In this fellowship, practicing spiritual disciplines is not about earning anything from God. Instead, it’s our response to the amazing grace we’ve already received. The apostle Paul puts it this way in Romans 5:2, saying that through Jesus, “we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” Every time we choose to “exercise unto godliness,” we’re simply opening ourselves up to receive more of that grace and hope.
Discipline Rooted in Love
The spiritual disciplines, at their core, are about aligning our lives with the love of Jesus. They are not just about self-improvement or self-denial for its own sake. Rather, they are the practical outworking of our desire to become more like Christ. Just as an athlete trains and disciplines their body for a race, we discipline ourselves spiritually—not out of fear of rejection, but because we want our lives to reflect the One we adore.
Paul’s Perspective: Running with Purpose
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul draws a vivid picture from the world of Greek athletics. He talks about running a race, not aimlessly, but with purpose. He says, “I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave…” Paul’s choice of words comes from the imagery of real physical training—giving oneself a “black eye” if necessary, to bring every part of himself under control. But he’s not talking about literal fighting; he’s describing the effort needed to keep his desires and habits in line with his faith.
Paul’s concern wasn’t just for others; he wanted to make sure that after guiding many toward faith, he himself wouldn’t lose sight of the goal. The word “castaway” he uses refers to being found unfit after testing, like metal that doesn’t pass the fire’s test. Paul’s example tells us that even the strongest believers need discipline—not to earn God’s favor, but to make sure their lives remain genuine and vibrant in Christ.
Why Spiritual Disciplines Matter
Spiritual disciplines are essential for our faith, not because they save us, but because they keep us close to the heart of Jesus. They are the means God uses to transform us from the inside out. When we practice them with passion and understanding, we find ourselves growing in grace, hope, and joy. The changes may be gradual, but over time, the disciplines become the channels through which God’s love and life shape who we are.
Practicing with Joy, Not Drudgery
If we approach spiritual disciplines with the mindset of obligation, we’ll quickly burn out. But when we see them as opportunities to know Jesus more deeply and to let his love fill every part of our lives, they become a source of joy. The revolutionary results come not from rigid rule-keeping, but from embracing these practices as the way love grows stronger and more like Christ every day.
Conclusion: A Life Transformed by Grace
Ultimately, the spiritual disciplines are not about perfection or proving ourselves. They are about responding to the love of Jesus with a willing heart—letting that love shape us, challenge us, and change us. As we “exercise unto godliness,” we do so in the fellowship of others who are on the same journey, standing together in grace, and rejoicing in the hope of the glory of God.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 