Spiritual Disciples Reflection Paper
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Dec 6, 2023
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Spiritual Disciples Reflection Paper
California Baptist University
CST302: Foundations of Christian Thought
Dr. John Gill
October 22, 2023
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Introduction
David Mathis’ book
Habits of Grace
gives us a new perspective on our habits with and
through God. He calls them “disciples” and offers his approach to behaviors we can make to
highlight our joy with God. There are many different “disciples,” as he calls them, with different
paths one can take to form a better relationship with God. This book has been very insightful to
my spirituality and daily choices. He makes many other examples of habits we can create to be
closer to God, some of which I never thought of, like fasting and meditating. I believe our
relationship with God is ever-evolving, and this book gives more ideas on ways to sharpen and
keep that relationship with God.
Meditation
In chapter three, Mathis mentions meditation and makes six different points in this
chapter, noting “we were made to meditate.” (Mathis, ch. 3) He states that God wants us to take a
break and consider situations, life, and ideas. He wants us to tap into thoughts and find their
deeper meaning, stating that Christian meditation differs from the classical “medication” most
people know. Christian meditation would be filling your mind rather than not thinking about
anything like classical meditation teaches us. Mathis wants us to consider God’s word and help
shape our minds with scripture, hoping we take these thoughts and use them in life. By
meditating, we can use the word of God and follow that word like an instruction manual. “Isaac
went out to meditate in the field toward evening” (Gen. 24:63) is a scripture that exemplifies
meditation in the Christian way; Isaac takes the time to ponder his thoughts rather than empty his
mind. This is a great way to reflect on scripture and use time to read passages that can inspire
meditation, and instead of trying to find that peace and other thoughts, you are finding it in
scripture.
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The Mind
Memorization is something we are all accustomed to. Whether it be memorizing our ABCs or
memorizing the drive to the grocery store, it is something we commonly do. Another common
thing in Christianity is memorizing scripture in different aspects of the Bible. We are taught
scripture memorization at a young age with stories like Noah’s Ark., But when we shape our
minds as adults, we begin to memorize different texts and stories from the Bible, along with
other prayers or worship songs. We can recite these words of God from our memories and hearts,
and we carry them with us daily. Mathis gives a great outline on how to memorize the Bible by
telling us to “Diversify Your Picks,” “Take it With You During the Day,” “Seek to Understand,
Feel and Apply the Text as You Memorize,” “Turn Your Text Into Paper,” and to “Memorize in
Light of the Gospel.”
Having God’s Ear
“Enjoy the Gift of Having God’s Ear” is the title of chapter seven, and in this chapter,
Mathis makes a point of us relying on God’s ear in expressing our troubles and prayers to him
when we need it, as his ear is readily available. We have a God who listens to us, and we should
pray because when we pray, God is opening his ear to hear us. Mathis states that we develop
habits like adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication when we have God's ear. We
pray to strengthen our relationship with God, allow him to hear us, and maintain that relationship
with him. Mathis writes, “It shouldn’t surprise us, then, to find that prayer is not finally about
getting things from God, but getting God. Born in response to his voice, prayer makes its
requests of God, but is not content to only receive from God.” (Mathis, chp. 7) Having God's ear
is not just about prayer but also about hearing God. As a child, I was constantly reminded that
“God was listening,” so reading this chapter reflected on that reminder.
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Fasting
“Sharpen Your Affections with Fasting” is the tenth chapter of the book “Habits of
Grace” and the next disciple we are reflecting on. He states, “Fasting is an exceptional measure,
designed to channel and express our desire for God and our holy discontent in a fallen world. It
is for those not satisfied with the status quo. For those who want more of God’s grace. For those
who feel truly desperate for God.” (Mathis, chp. 10) Some different religions have days of
fasting. While Christianity does not include days of fasting, it is mentioned throughout the Bible,
like in Matthew 6:16-18, “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they
disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have
received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting
may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in
secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16-18) Some fast for Ash Wednesday or Good Friday to
show that connection to God; however, growing up and attending church, we did not fast. Before
reading this chapter, I had never thought about fasting, and I like that Mathis gave some
examples of how to start fasting if you never have previously. He advises you to start slowly and
to try different forms of fasting to what suits you best, and when you do experience that hunger,
remember to turn your mind towards Jesus.
Journal
Journaling can be a notebook, something you treasure, or even a note on your computer.
There are no rules for journaling; your entries can be long or short, and they can be however
necessary, and what fits your ideas and topics you want to jot down; there is no wrong way to
journal. “But what if there was another vision? What if journaling wasn’t simply about recording
the past but preparing for the future? And what if, because of God’s grace in our past and his
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promises for our future, journaling were about deepening your joy in the present?” (Mathis chp.
11) Mathis wants us to journal because it is a pathway to a relationship with God and can help us
remember not only the past but also establish a future with God. We can journal down our
favorite scriptures or even write a current situation that can be good or bad during a church
sermon. He reminds us to incorporate the gospel into our journal entries and challenges us to
stick with journaling and make it a routine habit. Journaling is a great way to express your
emotions and write down ideas you may forget later. You can include all of your thoughts and
messages to God; using journaling to establish a better connection with him is something I
believe is essential. It is your private chat room with God.
Taking a Break
We have all experienced silence, which can be excellent for some but terrifying for
others; I find silence peaceful. When we take a break, we can tap into that solitude we
desperately need, ponder on our inner thoughts, or turn our minds off from the chaos. “We might
get alone and be quiet to hear our own internal voice, the murmurs of our soul that are easily
drowned out in noise and crowds. But the most important voice to hear in the silence is God’s”
(Mathis chp. 12) by taking his moments of silence we are still able to actively communicate with
God and hear his word which is very important in spirituality. Although we should always take a
moment for silence, it is important to not stay silent for so long and be prepared to return to the
loud noise of life. Silence does not mean being completely thoughtless; it is your time to read a
Bible and jot down some different scriptures, as we discussed in journaling and praying.
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References
Mathis, D., & Piper, J. (2016).
Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus through the Spiritual
Disciplines
. Crossway.
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