Let's start with a good definition from Donald Whitney: "Solitude is the spiritual discipline of voluntarily and temporarily withdrawing to privacy for spiritual purposes. The period of solitude may last only a few minutes or for days. As with silence, solitude may be sought in order to participate without interruption in other spiritual disciplines, or just to be alone with … [Read more...] about What Is Solitude
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Why Solitude
In a previous series, we considered the spiritual disciplines generally. In this series, I want to take a deep dive into one discipline: Solitude. To begin the series, let's start by considering three realities that can have a profound negative impact on our spiritual lives… Constant Crowds Modern life is crowded. With smartphones and social media we are always … [Read more...] about Why Solitude
Philosophy of the Disciplines
Editor’s Note: This post is part of a series on the Spiritual Disciplines.] We end this series with a brief word on the philosophical underpinnings of the spiritual disciplines. There are certain basic, underlying realities that help to explain the need and usefulness of spiritual disciplines. They are as follows: It is possible to deliberately grow in godliness. … [Read more...] about Philosophy of the Disciplines
Danger of the Disciplines
[Editor’s Note: This post is part of a series on the Spiritual Disciplines.] The Spiritual Disciplines require humility and submission to God and the power of the Holy Spirit. In the hands of the proud, they can actually bring death. If you approach them without humility and submission to God, if you approach them without the help of the Spirit… They can be … [Read more...] about Danger of the Disciplines
Spirit of the Disciplines
[Editor’s Note: This post is part of a series on the Spiritual Disciplines.] In talking about the Spirit of the Disciplines, we are talking about how we should view and approach them. So, I would like to offer a few clarifications on what they are and what they are not. They are practices, not prerequisites. Whitney notes, “It’s crucial - crucial - to … [Read more...] about Spirit of the Disciplines