Going Deeper
Rule of Life
 
Now what?  For months we have looked at different spiritual disciplines, those practices which put us in a place for God to do His transforming work in our lives – preparing ourselves and giving God permission. How do I make space for these soul-training practices with everything else that is in my life?  It’s called a plan; or if you want to be spiritual, then we refer to it as a “rule of life”.
 
What is a rule of life? It is an intentional plan to shape our lives. You already have started a plan.  Consider what you do every day, week, month, and year.  Those elements give shape to our lives. Scripture shares part of the early Christian believers rule of life, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42 NIV).
 
Why should we create a rule of life? If we want to get from point A to point B, we need a plan.  If we want our lives to reflect Christ, we need to do our part to move toward Christlikeness.  If we want to be a better parent, student, or employee, we need to create a plan for that to happen.  Being intentional will facilitate our development. 

How do we create a rule of life? First, consider what is important to you, and consider where you want to develop by the end of a year. Second, create a chart, listing time periods across the top and areas of development down the left side. Then begin filling in the chart; every space does not need to be filled. A suggested template is provided. Third, intentionally work this plan, which means regularly looking at this chart to see where you want to grow in a year’s time and how you are going to do it.  The chart will help you to see if you are progressing.
 

 
Resources
Sacred Rhythms
Ruth Haley Barton
 
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook
Adele Ahlberg Calhoun
 
Crafting a Rule of Life
Stephen A. Macchia
 
The Good and Beautiful Community
James Bryan Smith