“You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many
reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will
be able to pass them on to others.”
(2 Timothy 2:2 NLT)
One of the biggest complaints I have
heard from liberal, moderate, and conservative Christians about the spiritual
formation movement is that it emphasizes self-focused navel gazing. These
critics complain that the study of spirituality and spiritual practices teaches
people to become self-consumed rather than mission oriented. That’s not true.
Spiritual formation’s detractors create a false dichotomy. Rarely do I find
someone truly devoted to spiritual practices who isn’t also devoted to outreach
of some kind. A relationship with God always compels us to acts of loving
sacrifice. True prayer always leads to action. The real problem arises when
people act without prayer, because then the focus is on themselves, not on
serving God.
-- N. Graham Standish in “Becoming a Blessed Church: Forming a
Church of Spiritual Purpose, Presence, and Power”
#4701
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