Surrendering your life to Christ is a great decision that is welcomed with a big celebration in heaven. However, taking this step is not the climax of your spiritual journey; instead, it’s a baby step towards embracing godliness.
The transformation from worldliness to a new self, that’s aligned with God’s will, doesn’t happen automatically. It is a process that honestly takes the rest of our lives. God will not force you to live a spiritual life. You have to take the initiative to train yourself in godliness.
Below are five spiritual disciplines that will change your life
Read and Meditate on God’s Word
God is all-powerful. If He wanted to whip us to submission, all He would need to do is program our minds to adhere to His standards. However, God desires to have a relationship with us that comes from the point of willingness. And that is why he has given us free will whereby those who love Him and yearn to walk in His ways do it because they want to.
The Bible is God’s manual, which mankind ought to live by. Reading and meditating on God’s word, therefore, helps you to internalize His will. These enhance your relationship with Him and bring about growth in all areas of your life (Psalm 1).
Prayer is a great medium that connects you with God and keeps you grounded in His ways. Praying gives you the grace to submit under God’s will, brings about manifestation of God’s blessings, and helps you to withstand opposition from the enemy.
When you pray continually (1 Thessalonians), you secure yourself a healthy spiritual life.
Worship
Worship deepens our relationship with God as it helps us connect with His heart. And as you worship, His presence manifests and starts ministering to your life.
When you become a regular worshipper, His regular presence transforms your life to align with His will. Besides, it’s in His nature to reward those who earnestly seek Him
Giving
Giving is a powerful kingdom principle that not only benefits the receiver but the giver as well. There’s a law of multiplication attached to this principle which takes effect whether the giver is a believer or not. That is why even unbelievers are also open to the principle of giving.
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38
Our heavenly Father is a selfless giver whose single sacrifice transformed the fate of mankind eternally. Embracing this spiritual discipline is an excellent way of making a difference in the lives of others. And as you do that, you experience growth in your own life.
Fasting
Jesus said that some challenges/situations are so stubborn they require us to fast. We need to fast from time to time to get through stubborn situations that may drag us behind.
Why is that so?
Fasting is a sacrifice that helps you reach a higher level spiritually. Please note that fasting doesn’t cause God to move. We cannot manipulate God. Instead, it helps us become strong in faith as we focus on God more than the problem.
In short
Like any relationship, you need to take the initiative of growing your relationship with God. Spiritual disciplines like fasting, reading the bible, prayer, and giving will help you grow deeper in godliness. Being consistent with these disciplines will ultimately change your life.
