Why Does it Matter? - Essay for Moody

    It is clear that despite progress for humanity at this time in history, there is a deep ache in the soul of man that cannot be cured from a new device, electronic, tool, toy, hobby, etc.. So, the question must be asked of how the church is responding to this ache at this time? Unfortunately, the church has fallen into a progress trap of getting more people in the pews, but failing to help those same people bridge a gap to God in their heart. The problem is complex, but one aspect of this issue that deserves special attention is spiritual formation. What is and isn’t spiritual formation and why does it matter for the church? Because, understanding what’s not spiritual formation is just as important as understanding what it is. The churches focus on people in pews, Bible studies, building projects, and ministries isn’t bad, it is just an incomplete focus. After all, Christ told his Apostles to go and make disciples (Matt. 28:19-20), let the children come to him (Matt. 19:14), take care of the hungry/thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, take care of the sick, and visit those in prison (Matt. 25:31-40).

    These are clearly good things that Jesus’ has called his believers to, but it is not spiritual formation. Even Jesus doesn’t model a standard of constantly evangelizing, teaching, and healing. There are times where he is alone with God in prayer (Mk. 6:30-32, Matt. 14:1-13, Lk. 5:16, 6:12-13, 22:39-44). So, what is Jesus modeling? “…discipleship is more a matter of hungering and thirsting than of knowing and believing. Jesus’ command to follow him is a command to align our lives and longings with his – to want what God wants, to desire what God desires, to hunger and thirst after God and crave a world where he is all and in all…” (Smith 2). This is the essence of spiritual formation in a nutshell, not just doing the things Jesus told people to do. For instance, take Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, he is aligning his heart with God, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42 – NRSV).

    This is the essence of spiritual formation; to align one’s life, will, and desires with God and in the deepest part of one’s heart pray for and mean, “Your kingdom Come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10). It goes beyond action to the molding of the deepest part of one’s heart. This is imperative for the believer in Christ in their walk to draw closer to God. It is also important for the church to recognize this truth and work towards helping those same Christians down their own paths of drawing closer to God.

    Spiritual formation matters for the church because the world is not going to stop forming the spirits of believers. The sum total of culture, family friends, news, work, etc. will continue to exert influence on the souls of believers. The church must help believers understand that not only is this happening, but that in these relationships and circumstances the people of God can still draw closer to his own heart. “In God’s eyes, our journey includes all of our life. We are always on our journey, making decisions and taking steps in one direction or another. Even when we avoid deciding about something, we are deciding, taking a step in some direction…” (Saucy 25). The church has to help believers understand that whether they like it or not spiritual formation will happen. It is bigger than just one Bible study or weekly church attendance. 

    The church must not only be open about this fact, but like any other job or role in society, help people of faith learn and grow in their role of becoming a Christian in more than just title. The body of believers, not just the pastor, does this by and through modeling confession, accountability, and the fruits of the Spirit to align their desires and hearts with God. This spiritual formation, through the Holy Spirit brings the words of Scripture to life through God’s people, emulating their Christ (Eph. 5:1-2). This is why spiritual formation is important to the church, so their people might be more like God in the depths of their hearts.

Works Cited

Attridge, Harold W., et al. The HarperCollins Study Bible: New Revised Standard Version,

Including the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books: Student Edition. Fully revised and

updated. Student ed., Harper: SanFrancisco, 2006.

Saucy, Robert. Minding the Heart: The Way of Spiritual Transformation. Kregel Publications:

Grand Rapids, MI. 2013. Kindle Edition

Smith, James K.A. You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit. Brazos Press: Grand

Rapids, MI. 2016. Kindle Edition. 

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