Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney

Contrary to popular belief, the Christian life is not an easy life. Out of gratefulness for Christ and our love for Him, God calls us to be holy. But how do we become holy?

Using both Scripture and the lives of godly believers throughout history, Donald Whitney lays out the basics for us here. His one, consistent reminder is that these disciplines are to be practiced “for the purpose of godliness.”

These are disciplines that are to be practiced by both new and mature believers alike. They include:

• Bible intake (hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, meditating on, and applying God’s Word)
• Prayer
• Worship
• Evangelism
• Serving
• Stewardship (time and money)
• Fasting
• Silence and Solitude
• Journaling
• Learning

While some of these disciplines can be practiced corporately, the presentation Whitney gives in this book is directed toward the individual, especially with the last three disciplines.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in growing in their spiritual life as a Christian. The important thing to remember, as Whitney expresses again and again, is that the disciplines are not the end, they are the means. We are not to pray to say we pray. We are not to serve to say we serve. These are not boxes to checked on a to-do list, but practices to help us become more like Christ. That is the true end.

This book has a corresponding study guide. The study guide can essentially be used by itself, but I would recommend the book be used with it for deeper study.

1) Is it understandable = 5
2) Presentation of Information = 5
3) Quality of Writing = 5
4) Overall Enjoyability = 5

Average score of 5 out of 5

Where to buy the book: Amazon | B&N