I used to practice spiritual disciplines.  Now, I just allow myself to indulge in the means of grace.  When I need encouragement that God’s plan for me is wise and loving even when I don’t like my circumstances I read the Bible.  If I’m really struggling I may meditate on select verses or even memorize a pertinent chapter.  I know God will comfort my anxious thoughts and calm my racing thoughts.  So, when I need to, I indulge myself.

When I feel certain compulsions to self-destructive and/or demeaning behaviors, I may treat myself to a day of fasting or some intense physical exercise.  Once again, God accepts my invitation to minister to me by calming my body.  Or, when I feel tired or alone, I go to church and let my pastor spoon feed me some life-nourishing truth and let the worship team draw me into their fellowship of praise.  I may even be treated to an invitation to celebrate communion with God and saints throughout history through receiving the Eucharist.  I feel the passions to love and care for others poured into me through these means of grace.  I unapologetically indulge myself.

Back when I used to think of myself primarily as “a Believer” I practiced spiritual disciplines in hopes of discovering the right things to believe.  When I thought of myself primarily as “a Disciple” I practiced spiritual disciplines in order to be obedient to the principles of God.  But, now-a-days, I think of myself as first and foremost as a child of God, adopted into the family of God.  I rejoice in my forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice on my behalf.  I depend upon the Holy Spirit to continue the works of sanctification that has been begun within me.  I cast all my cares on Him, and put away those “spiritual disciplines”.  I’m just a child.  I can’t be expected to be smart enough, strong enough, caring enough, and stable enough to accomplish those disciplines.  Instead, I will indulge myself in the means of grace.