Rule of Life is an intentional pattern of spiritual disciplines that provides structure and
direction for growth in holiness. A Rule establishes a rhythm for life in which is helpful for
being formed by the Spirit, a rhythm that reflects a love for God and respect for how he has made
us. The disciplines which we build into our rhythm of life help us to shed the “old self” and
allow our “new self” in Christ to be formed. Spiritual disciplines are means of grace by which
God can nourish us. Ultimately a Rule should help you to love God more, so if it becomes a
legalistic way of earning points with God or impressing others, it should be scrapped. If the
traditional, ancient term “rule” concerns you because it sounds legalistic, think of “rule” as a
“rhythm of life” or as a “Curriculum in Christlikeness” (Dallas Willard), or as a “Game Plan for
Morphing” (John Ortberg).
In order to be life-giving, a Rule must be realistic! It is not an ideal toward which you are
striving to soar. Instead, your initial Rule should be a minimum standard for your life that you
do not want to drop below. It’s a realistic level of engaging in the spiritual disciplines for which
you can honestly and truly be held accountable.
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