27. Developing a Framework for Intentional Spiritual Growth

Followers of Jesus need a framework for intentional spiritual growth.

Consider what happens to a grapevine when it doesn’t have a trellis on which to grow.  I imagine that the vine just sort of lays on the ground and the grapes end up getting eaten by worms or bugs.  But when the vine has a trellis, the grapevine is able to bear much fruit.

Likewise, we need a trellis for our lives if we are going to “bear much fruit” (as Jesus says in John 15).  We need a framework for intentional spiritual growth.  In Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, Peter Scazzero explains that this framework is called a “Rule of Life.”  In this episode, I talk about 1) why you need a Rule of Life and 2) how to develop a Rule of Life.

THIS EPISODE’S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Spiritual growth requires intentionality.
• Jesus stresses the importance of intentionally staying connected to him in John 15:1-8. Only then can we “bear much fruit.”
• A “Rule of Life” is an intentional framework for our lives to help us grow spiritually.
• The word “rule,” according to Peter Scazzero, comes from the Greek word for “trellis.” It is a structure that helps the vine grow, rest, and bear as much fruit as possible.
• The story of Daniel demonstrates the power of intentional spiritual growth.
• Daniel was betrayed by other administrators in the Persian Empire. Rather than retreating, defending himself, or fighting back, Daniel simply returned to his Rule of Life—praying three times daily by his window that faced Jerusalem.
• It was Daniel’s Rule of Life that gave him the strength to be faithful to God even when his life was threatened.
• A Rule of Life can be structures with four categories in mind: prayer, rest, relationships, and work/activity.
• Select one or two practices to engage in for each category. 
  • Prayer
  • Rest
  • Relationships
  • Work/Activity 
• It takes trial and error to develop a Rule of Life. But we need to pursue intentional spiritual growth.
• Don’t get legalistic about your Rule of Life. As soon as your Rule of Life becomes a duty and chore, it will no longer be life-giving or draw you close to God.

RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS

• Books 
  • Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero
  • Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Workbook by Peter Scazzero
  • The Emotionally Healthy Church by Peter Scazzero
  • The Emotionally Healthy Leader by Peter Scazzero
• Pray As You Go (daily devotional podcast) 
  • Website:  https://pray-as-you-go.org/
  • Twitter:  https://twitter.com/prayasugo
•  Scriptures 
  • John 15:1-8
  • Daniel 6:1-11

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