The Importance Of Spiritual Formation

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Every person is on a journey of spiritual formation (Mulholland, 1993). What 's frightening is how this process can happen with or without our intention. Taking this a level deeper, every human is formed with an innate desire to worship (Warren, 2002). Putting this all in perspective; whether a person intends to or not, they are worshipping someone or something, and in so doing are being formed into the likeness of this person or thing. Knowing this, it is easy to see the importance of spiritual formation on the psychological health of a person. For example: if someone is being formed into the likeness of a demanding spouse, they will quite possibly grow into someone defined by bitterness or feelings of insufficiency. Therefore, it is vital …show more content…

Quick results are the name of the game for many today. However, Scripture makes it clear followers of Jesus never fully arrive. It is Paul who writes in Philippians 1:6, “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (New International Version, The Holy Bible).” There is a juxtaposition of progress with promised perfection Christians must wrestle with. Even though this seems quite foggy, Scripture makes it clear the process of spiritual formation is defined by “being conformed” (Mulholland, 1993). Paul spends a majority of an extensive letter laying before the Roman Christians a deep and convicting theology. As he draws to the end of this letter he enters into the practicality of the Christian life, and what it looks like to be formed into image of their Savior. Paul sets the stage for this entire discourse with this verse, “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (The Holy Bible).” Spiritual formation is a transformation of an individual by being conformed to God’s image and his …show more content…

Jesus cleared this up for his followers in John’s gospel, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing (The Holy Bible).” A Christ follower’s formation is represented several times throughout Scripture as “fruit.” Here, Jesus is making it clear: spiritual formation, and being conformed to his image, is something which happens to us. Again, Christian spiritual formation takes its followers in a very different direction. Humans working hard toward a more spiritual life makes sense, but a process where spiritual progress means leaving the work to someone else doesn’t. However, this is seen time and time again in God’s messages to his followers. Another instance happens in John’s first letter, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (The Holy Bible).” Even the most basic function of spirituality, love, is preceded by God loving his children, which grants them the ability to love others. Driving this whole process of spiritual formation then seems to be trust in “the vine” to finish the formative work he

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