It has been said successful people do consistently what others do occasionally. This is true as coaches and athletes in the sports world but also true as followers of Christ. Discipleship requires discipline and discipline requires consistency. We can’t expect to be the coach and athlete we want to be by simply practicing once a week for an hour. In the same way, we can’t expect to be the disciple of Christ we are called to be just by being in the church building for an hour on Sundays. Four spiritual disciplines we should be practicing growing our relationship with Jesus include: prayer and Bible reading daily, gratitude and repentance to the Lord continually, and fasting periodically.
Warm-Up:
In what ways do you see consistency helping you in your sport?
How do you see consistency in spiritual disciplines helping you in your relationship with the Lord?
Workout:
Consistency in spiritual disciplines are key to standing firm when our faith is tested…and it will be tested. We read Daniel’s story of tested faith play out from when he was taken by the Babylonians to when the jealous administrators plotted to kill Daniel which ended with him being thrown into the lion’s den. But because Daniel was consistent with his faith discipline when nobody was watching, it prepared him for passing the test in his faith when everybody was.
We see Daniel’s faith disciplines in Daniel 9, Daniel 9:2-3). He goes on to pray, “Ah, Lord the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps his gracious covenant with those who love him and keep his commands. We have sinned and, done wrong and acted wickedly, rebelled and turned away from your commands and ordinances (Daniel 9:4-5).
As a prisoner of war during the exile of his people to being thrown into the lion’s den, his spiritual discipline didn’t save him from the brokenness of this world but prepared him for it. Jesus says, John 16:33). Yes, there will be suffering. Yes, Jesus has conquered the world of suffering. But we must consistently and intentionally stay connected to the Conqueror through His Word, live a life of gratitude and repentance for what He has done, and fast from the things of this world to stay focused on His glory…just like Daniel.
Wrap-Up:
How does Daniel’s consistent faith disciplines encourage you?
Which spiritual discipline are you most consistent in? Least consistent?
Write a prayer and make a plan in how you are going to practice consistency in your spiritual life.