Practices for Your Rule of Life
June 2, 2024
A Rule of Life is a framework for living a healthy Christian life. DON’T think of “rule” as a checkbox you must complete to be in favor with God. You are already in God’s favor! You were saved by grace alone, through faith alone, by Jesus alone, and so GOD HAS GOT YOU! DO think of “rule” as a measuring stick for measuring your proximity to God. Remember, our journey with the Creator is about RELATIONSHIP, NOT RELIGION. A healthy relationship requires Constant Contact with your Creator. Your ROL will be a trellis allowing growth to be both free and structured.
There are two categories of practices: FOUNDATIONAL and DEEPER. FOUNDATIONAL practices are the “black and white” practices that every disciple of Christ must engage daily for healthy growth. The FOUNDATIONAL practices are like the sunlight, water, and healthy soil needed for a plant to grow. The DEEPER practices are varied and more advanced ways of getting sunlight, water, and healthy soil. In both the FOUNDATIONAL and DEEPER categories, how you implement the practice is completely up to you. Use what is useful for nurturing your relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, and discard what is not useful. And by all means, be creative, mix it up! If a practice begins to feel boring alter it or find a new one that is more beneficial. That said, don't get "boring" confused with "discipline". Anything worth having takes work. DUTY LEADS TO DELIGHT! Also, this list is not exhaustive. Search/Create other practices. Some of these are centuries old and some are newer. God will richly bless your ROL journey. Godspeed! (It’s the only speed worth going.)
