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Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
Drawn from a rich heritage, "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" will guide you through a carefully selected array of disciplines, including:
Scripture reading
Prayer
Worship
Scripture meditation
Evangelism
Serving
Stewardship of time and money
Scripture application
Fasting
Silence and solitude
Journaling
Learning
By illustrating why the disciplines are important, showing how each one will help you grow in godliness, and offering practical suggestions for cultivating them, "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" will provide you with a refreshing opportunity to become more like Christ and grow in character and maturity.
Scripture reading
Prayer
Worship
Scripture meditation
Evangelism
Serving
Stewardship of time and money
Scripture application
Fasting
Silence and solitude
Journaling
Learning
By illustrating why the disciplines are important, showing how each one will help you grow in godliness, and offering practical suggestions for cultivating them, "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" will provide you with a refreshing opportunity to become more like Christ and grow in character and maturity.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
About the author
Donald S. Whitney
29 books269 followersDON WHITNEY has been Professor of Biblical spirituality and Associate Dean at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, since 2005. Before that, he held a similar position (the first such position in the six Southern Baptist seminaries) at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, MO, for 10 years. He is the founder and president of The Center for Biblical Spirituality. Don is a frequent speaker in churches, retreats, and conferences in the U.S. and abroad.
Don grew up in Osceola, AR, where he came to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. After graduating from Arkansas State, Don planned to finish law school and pursue a career in sportscasting. While at the University of Arkansas School of Law, he sensed God's call to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He then enrolled at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX, graduating with a Master of Divinity degree in 1979. In 1987, Don completed a Doctor of Ministry degree at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. He earned a PhD in theology at the University of the Free State in Bloemfonteine, South Africa in 2013.
Prior to his ministry as a seminary professor, Don pastored Glenfield Baptist Church in Glen Ellyn, IL (a Chicago suburb), for almost 15 years. Altogether, he's served local churches in pastoral ministry for 24 years.
He is the author of Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, which has a companion Study Guide. He has also written How Can I Be Sure I'm a Christian?, Spiritual Disciplines Within the Church, Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health, Simplify Your Spiritual Life, and Family Worship. His hobby is restoring and using old fountain pens.
Don lives with his wife, Caffy, in their home near Louisville. She teaches classes for seminary wives and is an artist, muralist, and illustrator. The Whitneys are parents of Laurelen.
Don's website is www.BiblicalSpirituality.org. He's on Twitter @DonWhitney and on Facebook.
Don grew up in Osceola, AR, where he came to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. After graduating from Arkansas State, Don planned to finish law school and pursue a career in sportscasting. While at the University of Arkansas School of Law, he sensed God's call to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He then enrolled at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX, graduating with a Master of Divinity degree in 1979. In 1987, Don completed a Doctor of Ministry degree at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. He earned a PhD in theology at the University of the Free State in Bloemfonteine, South Africa in 2013.
Prior to his ministry as a seminary professor, Don pastored Glenfield Baptist Church in Glen Ellyn, IL (a Chicago suburb), for almost 15 years. Altogether, he's served local churches in pastoral ministry for 24 years.
He is the author of Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, which has a companion Study Guide. He has also written How Can I Be Sure I'm a Christian?, Spiritual Disciplines Within the Church, Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health, Simplify Your Spiritual Life, and Family Worship. His hobby is restoring and using old fountain pens.
Don lives with his wife, Caffy, in their home near Louisville. She teaches classes for seminary wives and is an artist, muralist, and illustrator. The Whitneys are parents of Laurelen.
Don's website is www.BiblicalSpirituality.org. He's on Twitter @DonWhitney and on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 721 reviews
September 20, 2015
It wasn't until I read Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline that I could put my finger on my vague dislike of this book: whereas Mr. Foster's book is filled with disciplines and they all feel do-able, Mr. Whitney's book is filled with disciplines that feel out of reach. As I calculated the time commitment that Mr. Whitney recommends, it would easily take hours every day to do the disciplines he suggests. That would be a great thing, to have the freedom and flexibility to spend hours everyday praying, reading the Bible, meditating on what we read, studying, journaling, being silent before the Lord, going on meditative walks, fasting, and serving others, but realistically, it's not going to happen for 99% of the people reading this book. Or more.
The strength of this book is the description of the spiritual disciplines, plus the practical tips and suggestions for how to implement the disciplines and apply them to our lives. Mr. Whitney has written a detailed book filled with 'all you need to know' about spiritual practices and disciplines, and for that he earns high marks. But in hindsight, I could never shake a vague sense of finger-shaking knowing that I will never be able to accomplish a fraction of what is suggested (and inferred that I must practice if I really want to know God and be obedient to Him).
The strength of this book is the description of the spiritual disciplines, plus the practical tips and suggestions for how to implement the disciplines and apply them to our lives. Mr. Whitney has written a detailed book filled with 'all you need to know' about spiritual practices and disciplines, and for that he earns high marks. But in hindsight, I could never shake a vague sense of finger-shaking knowing that I will never be able to accomplish a fraction of what is suggested (and inferred that I must practice if I really want to know God and be obedient to Him).
August 18, 2021
MY FAVORITE CHRISTIAN BOOK IVE EVER READ!!!!! WOW!!!!! GO READ THIS RIGHT NOW!!!!!!! Will be reading this book for the rest of my life!
Love how it emphasizes the concept of freedom within structure. Spiritual Disciplines, which many see as restrictive and binding, are actually the means to spiritual freedom.
“We have not advanced very far in our spiritual lives if we have not encountered the basic paradox of freedom… that we are most free when we are bound. But not just any way of being bound will suffice; what matters is the character of our binding.”
“‘Discipline’ has become a dirty word in our culture……. The fact of the matter is that discipline is the only way to freedom; it is the necessary context for spontaneity.”
———————————————
Side note: I’ve read the Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster and I liked it but for some reason this book reeeeaaaallllly spoke to me and I liked it a lot better!
Love how it emphasizes the concept of freedom within structure. Spiritual Disciplines, which many see as restrictive and binding, are actually the means to spiritual freedom.
“We have not advanced very far in our spiritual lives if we have not encountered the basic paradox of freedom… that we are most free when we are bound. But not just any way of being bound will suffice; what matters is the character of our binding.”
“‘Discipline’ has become a dirty word in our culture……. The fact of the matter is that discipline is the only way to freedom; it is the necessary context for spontaneity.”
———————————————
Side note: I’ve read the Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster and I liked it but for some reason this book reeeeaaaallllly spoke to me and I liked it a lot better!
June 16, 2015
Christ centered. Biblically saturated. Powerfully convicting. Read this book!
March 9, 2024
Took me a while to get through this one but it’s not because it wasn’t a great book, but because of my lack of the very topic of the book: discipline 🙃🙃
Practical, well researched, and full of references to scripture that makes it all the more reliable and convicting! This is a book that makes you want to implement things right away and so is one that really should be read slowly/be referenced back to! Would recommend to anyone wanting to grow in how/why to implement spiritual disciplines into every day life!
“The scriptural path to godliness has been made plain. Would you be godly? Then, said the Lord in 1 Timothy 4:7, “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.””
Practical, well researched, and full of references to scripture that makes it all the more reliable and convicting! This is a book that makes you want to implement things right away and so is one that really should be read slowly/be referenced back to! Would recommend to anyone wanting to grow in how/why to implement spiritual disciplines into every day life!
“The scriptural path to godliness has been made plain. Would you be godly? Then, said the Lord in 1 Timothy 4:7, “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.””
March 27, 2017
This book is a decent introduction to some spiritual practices to help Christians grow in godliness, but it feels incomplete. Donald Whitney chose to focus this book on the "personal" disciplines alone, meaning that there are some core disciplines that are glossed over such as fellowship and confession, as well as dimensions of disciplines like prayer that are unnecessarily limited in the exploration. There also is a plethora of unhelpful examples. In multiple places paragons of a certain virtue were lifted up as heroes and had their stories followed with a sentiment of, "See? If they can do it, so can you!" One such instance happens early on. On page 30, in talking about reading the Bible, Whitney says, "We should all have the following man's passion for reading God's word..." and then proceeds to tell a story about a man who had his face and hands blown off in an explosion who learned to read the Bible with his tongue and had since read through the entire Bible at least four times. "If he can do that, can you discipline yourself to read the Bible?" (31) While I am quite impressed at the passion and dedication of that man, it offers no advice or guidance on how to stir up my own passion for the Bible, no help on what to do if I lack that man's passion, and does not stir me to any action or emotion except possibly a sensation that I should perhaps feel guilty that I probably don't have that level of determination, which is muted by the fact that I feel I should definitely feel guilty that I spent the entire story sighing and rolling my eyes because I rarely feel motivated by cries of "Look at how well that person's doing, you should be more like them!"
Besides that manner of annoyance, I feel like the book is a worthwhile read. There is a decent amount of scripture quoted as the basis and instruction behind the disciplines, which is always important to me. It offers some good insights and quotes about spiritual disciplines, and in certain chapters there are quite a few practical tools offered to help readers get started. For instance, the chapter on meditation offers no fewer than 17 different methods to meditate on scripture! There are certainly chapters that are weaker than others, though that is possibly because I have already read Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline and it covers much of the same material.
I appreciate that Whitney took the time to remind and re-emphasize the gospel and its impact on our pursuit of the disciplines several times throughout the book. There were times when it seemed like the natural progression of his thoughts in the chapter, and there were times when it felt disjointed, like it was added in a later edition to address complaints. The former felt genuine and really served to draw out the grace on which we rely, while the latter felt awkward and forced, and thus seemed to be muted in its presentation and power. In both cases, however, it is the gospel, which is the power of salvation for all who believe, and that is enough.
I don't think this book needed a catch phrase. Or at least, if Whitney was to insist on a catch phrase he could have either chosen a better one or better explained the catch phrase he chose and how it frames the pursuit of God through the disciplines. I'm not entirely sure I agree with his description of what "godliness" is and how all the disciplines are "for the purpose of godliness" because after the first chapter or so he assumes it is clear and never goes into depth into how pursuing this or that discipline leads to godliness in the way he describes godliness. In all honesty, the main reason I'm not entirely sure I agree is that I don't entirely remember what was said. I even just now skimmed the section where I thought he clarified and am still coming up empty. So I will stick with my conclusion that merely saying "[Insert Discipline Here]...for the Purpose of Godliness" is not as helpful as he appears to have believed.
All my gripes and nitpicks aside, this book is definitely worth your time. The fact that I didn't enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed other spiritual books does not diminish the fact that this book was helpful to guide me in living like Jesus and had a positive impact on my life. If you haven't already, I encourage you to read this book...for the purpose of godliness.
Besides that manner of annoyance, I feel like the book is a worthwhile read. There is a decent amount of scripture quoted as the basis and instruction behind the disciplines, which is always important to me. It offers some good insights and quotes about spiritual disciplines, and in certain chapters there are quite a few practical tools offered to help readers get started. For instance, the chapter on meditation offers no fewer than 17 different methods to meditate on scripture! There are certainly chapters that are weaker than others, though that is possibly because I have already read Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline and it covers much of the same material.
I appreciate that Whitney took the time to remind and re-emphasize the gospel and its impact on our pursuit of the disciplines several times throughout the book. There were times when it seemed like the natural progression of his thoughts in the chapter, and there were times when it felt disjointed, like it was added in a later edition to address complaints. The former felt genuine and really served to draw out the grace on which we rely, while the latter felt awkward and forced, and thus seemed to be muted in its presentation and power. In both cases, however, it is the gospel, which is the power of salvation for all who believe, and that is enough.
I don't think this book needed a catch phrase. Or at least, if Whitney was to insist on a catch phrase he could have either chosen a better one or better explained the catch phrase he chose and how it frames the pursuit of God through the disciplines. I'm not entirely sure I agree with his description of what "godliness" is and how all the disciplines are "for the purpose of godliness" because after the first chapter or so he assumes it is clear and never goes into depth into how pursuing this or that discipline leads to godliness in the way he describes godliness. In all honesty, the main reason I'm not entirely sure I agree is that I don't entirely remember what was said. I even just now skimmed the section where I thought he clarified and am still coming up empty. So I will stick with my conclusion that merely saying "[Insert Discipline Here]...for the Purpose of Godliness" is not as helpful as he appears to have believed.
All my gripes and nitpicks aside, this book is definitely worth your time. The fact that I didn't enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed other spiritual books does not diminish the fact that this book was helpful to guide me in living like Jesus and had a positive impact on my life. If you haven't already, I encourage you to read this book...for the purpose of godliness.
May 12, 2023
The most comprehensive book I’ve read on the disciplines, with abundant examples at the end of each chapter for practical application. Can be a bit redundant at times, but an overall great read!
July 18, 2024
I don’t really know what else to say about this book except that I extremely disliked it and its anxiety-inducing approach to the spiritual life. Whitney’s reasoning seems to work something like this: ultimately, spiritual disciplines do not earn you favor before God or eternal salvation (all good so far); yet, if you don’t desire the disciplines or practice the disciplines well as laid out in this book, then it is a sign that you are not truly saved because a true disciple of Jesus desires the disciplines and pursues them. I must wonder how assurance of salvation is possible under such a view of the Christian life? What about the days when we don’t desire the disciplines? Is that a sign that the Christian is not saved? What about the first 1500 years of Christians who were not able to read the Bible at home since many of them didn’t have or couldn’t access copies? Also, the amount of disciplines prescribed/encouraged by Whitney in this book are nearly impossible for any Christian to keep if he or she does not work some kind of ministry job. It really does feel like Whitney sets the believer up for an impossible outlook on the Christian life that induces anxiety due to his guilting language and unreasonable demands concerning Christian discipline. It also doesn’t help that the book is 300 pages.
January 8, 2011
5/08 This is a very good book. Donald Whitney is a good writer and really help brings to mind spiritual disciplines that one might not have thought of as is. However, I do think that this is a book that is better as a reference than a sit down and read it all. I think the best way to approach the book is read about a discipline and really put it into practice and make it a habit, and then read/learn about another discipline. If you try to do it all at once its overwhelming and not helpful.
1/11 Read this book again through church. It's always hard for me to read the same book twice. However, it is still super convicting. And an encouragement to improve upon my spiritual disciplines.
1/11 Read this book again through church. It's always hard for me to read the same book twice. However, it is still super convicting. And an encouragement to improve upon my spiritual disciplines.
April 15, 2023
extremely practical, whether you’re new to the faith or have been a believer for some time.
here are some of my key takeaways:
-the importance of meditation as the bridge between bible reading and prayer
-you are not worshiping God if you are distracted/not fully focused on Him
-even if you give electronically, offering time during a church service should not be a time of wandering thoughts
-reminders of the biblical basis of fasting when these days many christians partake in lent “just because"
here are some of my key takeaways:
-the importance of meditation as the bridge between bible reading and prayer
-you are not worshiping God if you are distracted/not fully focused on Him
-even if you give electronically, offering time during a church service should not be a time of wandering thoughts
-reminders of the biblical basis of fasting when these days many christians partake in lent “just because"
August 22, 2023
Good and fine. Helpful information from his own personal experience. Thrown off by the fact that the same guy read the Harry Potter audiobooks.
Particularly interested in the idea of a congregational fast or national fast!
Also, is sabbath a command or a discipline or neither or both?
These are just my thoughts tbh
Particularly interested in the idea of a congregational fast or national fast!
Also, is sabbath a command or a discipline or neither or both?
These are just my thoughts tbh
July 15, 2017
One of my top must-read books. Over the week that I read this book I tried to apply the advice, attempting to practice the spiritual disciplines of Bible Intake, Prayer, Worship, Evangelism, Service, etc. as I came across them. I think I may have had more spiritual growth in a week than I've ever had in any season as a Christian for 30 years. I can see now that on the learning curve of spiritual life, I'm barely off the starting mark. It's one thing to have God's Word, it's quite another to obey it! And how does a person put such a large thing as 'God's Word' into practice? Although not 'easy', there are surprisingly simple, practical ways to do it, with many of them conveniently collected together here in this book. At the end I found myself asking, "Why was I never taught this by other Christians before?" and vowing to pass some of these tips on whenever I can!
Quotes from the book:
"To do what God wants most, that is, to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as you love yourself (Mark 12:29-31), can't be done in your spare time."
"Hearing and reading the Bible is the exposure to Scripture - that's needful, but it's only the starting place. After the exposure to Scripture we need to absorb it. Meditation is the absorption of Scripture. And it's the absorption of Scripture that leads to the experience with God and the transformation of life we long for when we come to the Bible."
"The heart is warmed by meditation, and cold truth is melted into passionate action."
"Where God leads you to pray, he means you to receive." (C.H. Spurgeon quote)
"So if there's little revelation of God, there is little focus on God. And if there is little focus on God, there is little worship of God. Conversely, much revelation of God fosters much focus on God, which in turn evokes much worship of God."
"The gospel of Jesus Christ transforms sinners against God into servants of God."
"Regardless of when or how death occurs, there is a specific day on the calendar when all my preparation for eternity will indeed be over. And since that day could be any day, I should use my time wisely, for it's all the time I have to prepare for where I will endlessly live beyond the grave. [...] As a relatively small rudder determines the direction of a great ocean liner, so that which we do in the small span of time influences all eternity."
"Those who eat too much and those who intentionally eat too little are looking for satisfaction in something other than God."
"Put directly, as each believer disciplines himself "for the purpose of godliness," his or her individual spiritual growth helps to build up the local body of believers - but only insofar as that believer is in fellowship with them."
I thought these were excellent quotes! But, if you want the specifics of what the spiritual disciplines look like, or practical ways to live them out, READ THE BOOK!
Quotes from the book:
"To do what God wants most, that is, to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as you love yourself (Mark 12:29-31), can't be done in your spare time."
"Hearing and reading the Bible is the exposure to Scripture - that's needful, but it's only the starting place. After the exposure to Scripture we need to absorb it. Meditation is the absorption of Scripture. And it's the absorption of Scripture that leads to the experience with God and the transformation of life we long for when we come to the Bible."
"The heart is warmed by meditation, and cold truth is melted into passionate action."
"Where God leads you to pray, he means you to receive." (C.H. Spurgeon quote)
"So if there's little revelation of God, there is little focus on God. And if there is little focus on God, there is little worship of God. Conversely, much revelation of God fosters much focus on God, which in turn evokes much worship of God."
"The gospel of Jesus Christ transforms sinners against God into servants of God."
"Regardless of when or how death occurs, there is a specific day on the calendar when all my preparation for eternity will indeed be over. And since that day could be any day, I should use my time wisely, for it's all the time I have to prepare for where I will endlessly live beyond the grave. [...] As a relatively small rudder determines the direction of a great ocean liner, so that which we do in the small span of time influences all eternity."
"Those who eat too much and those who intentionally eat too little are looking for satisfaction in something other than God."
"Put directly, as each believer disciplines himself "for the purpose of godliness," his or her individual spiritual growth helps to build up the local body of believers - but only insofar as that believer is in fellowship with them."
I thought these were excellent quotes! But, if you want the specifics of what the spiritual disciplines look like, or practical ways to live them out, READ THE BOOK!
June 29, 2023
I gave this a low rating because I’m antinomian.
Just kidding.
I actually did have a hard time giving it only 2 stars because of how popular the book is. And there were certainly parts that I enjoyed and was helped by.
But my biggest issue with the book is that, while it promotes good practices, I think it pushes the wrong goal and motivation.
* Goal: The goal in the book is that you will have better Christian character, that you will live a moral life. Of course those things are good things, but moralism can’t be ultimate. The goal is knowing and loving God more deeply. Godly character flows out of that, it’s not the end in and of itself.
* Motivation: subtle guilt and fear motivation - “A huge percentage of Christians are not living this way. You don’t want to be like them, do you? Don’t you want to live the way you’re supposed to?” I’ve been spoiled by books like Delighting in the Trinity and Rejoicing in Christ that motivate you with Christ’s delightfulness. That is what ultimately motivates us to know and love God more. To be motivated primarily by something other than that is, I think, less than the gospel.
I’m not trying to be too nit-picky, but when a book is as popular as this one is, I’m a little more sensitive. I think most of us struggle enough with, “I’m not as disciplined as I should be. I’m going to try to do more things to be a good person. That’ll make God happier with me. Maybe some day I’ll love Jesus enough to be good enough.” But that’s not the gospel. So if you read this book, I would say read it for the practical advice and ideas, but read Delighting in the Trinity with it to be overwhelmed by the gospel.
Anyone disagree? I’d be interested to hear some pushback.
___
My ⭐️ rating criteria
- ⭐️: I absolutely did not like or totally disagreed with the book and would recommend that no one else read it
- ⭐️⭐️: the book was below average style or content, wouldn’t read it again, but wouldn’t beg people not to read it necessarily
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️: a fine book, some helpful information (or a decent story, for the handful of novels I read), didn’t disagree with too much, enjoyed it decently well
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: a very good book, information was very helpful, mostly agreed with everything or it was a strong argument even if I disagree, was above-average enjoyable to read
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: life-changing book, I enjoyed it more than most other books, I want to read it again in the future, I will be telling everyone to read it for the next few weeks
Just kidding.
I actually did have a hard time giving it only 2 stars because of how popular the book is. And there were certainly parts that I enjoyed and was helped by.
But my biggest issue with the book is that, while it promotes good practices, I think it pushes the wrong goal and motivation.
* Goal: The goal in the book is that you will have better Christian character, that you will live a moral life. Of course those things are good things, but moralism can’t be ultimate. The goal is knowing and loving God more deeply. Godly character flows out of that, it’s not the end in and of itself.
* Motivation: subtle guilt and fear motivation - “A huge percentage of Christians are not living this way. You don’t want to be like them, do you? Don’t you want to live the way you’re supposed to?” I’ve been spoiled by books like Delighting in the Trinity and Rejoicing in Christ that motivate you with Christ’s delightfulness. That is what ultimately motivates us to know and love God more. To be motivated primarily by something other than that is, I think, less than the gospel.
I’m not trying to be too nit-picky, but when a book is as popular as this one is, I’m a little more sensitive. I think most of us struggle enough with, “I’m not as disciplined as I should be. I’m going to try to do more things to be a good person. That’ll make God happier with me. Maybe some day I’ll love Jesus enough to be good enough.” But that’s not the gospel. So if you read this book, I would say read it for the practical advice and ideas, but read Delighting in the Trinity with it to be overwhelmed by the gospel.
Anyone disagree? I’d be interested to hear some pushback.
___
My ⭐️ rating criteria
- ⭐️: I absolutely did not like or totally disagreed with the book and would recommend that no one else read it
- ⭐️⭐️: the book was below average style or content, wouldn’t read it again, but wouldn’t beg people not to read it necessarily
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️: a fine book, some helpful information (or a decent story, for the handful of novels I read), didn’t disagree with too much, enjoyed it decently well
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: a very good book, information was very helpful, mostly agreed with everything or it was a strong argument even if I disagree, was above-average enjoyable to read
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: life-changing book, I enjoyed it more than most other books, I want to read it again in the future, I will be telling everyone to read it for the next few weeks
November 2, 2022
Re-read October 2022. Still just as fantastic as the other times I’ve read it.
Also read this in 2007. Extremely helpful book with the foundation being 1 Timothy 4:7, "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." Each chapter gives an explanation and Biblical basis for spiritual disciplines such as Bible intake, prayer, meditation, memorization, worship, solitude, journaling (a favorite!), fasting and more. In a generation that thinks discipline is a dirty word and automatically equates "work" to legalism, Don Whitney shows us that the spiritual disciplines are the way to spiritual liberty, not bondage. We *must* be a people of discipline because the natural man will never drift forward in love and holiness to the Lord. Only by intentional discipline will we move forward. But advancement in the Christian life comes not by our labor in it alone, nor the Holy Spirit alone, but by our responding to and cooperation with the grace of God that He alone initiates and sustains. I felt this book was thorough in it's coverage of motivations behind the disciplines. It did not leave me feeling a weight of bondage, but of great liberty and hope and greater zeal for the Word. I appreciate that Whitney even specifically mentions a few times the busyness of mothers of little ones, yet with much gentleness He points out that life will never be *not* busy, and these habits are to be pursued regardless of age and stage of life. Great quotes from Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield, David Brainerd, and others. (I am glad to see there is now an updated version of this book. as I think the one I read might be distracting to younger people, with the occasional mentions of "portable stereos" and cassette tapes :))
"How often do we hear about the discipline of the Christian life these days? How often do we talk about it? How often is it really to be found at the heart of our evangelical living? There was a time in the Christian church when this was at the very centre, and it is, I profoundly believe, because of our neglect of this discipline that the church is in her present position. Indeed, I see no hope whatsoever of any true revival and reawakening until we return to it."--Martin Lloyd Jones
Also read this in 2007. Extremely helpful book with the foundation being 1 Timothy 4:7, "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." Each chapter gives an explanation and Biblical basis for spiritual disciplines such as Bible intake, prayer, meditation, memorization, worship, solitude, journaling (a favorite!), fasting and more. In a generation that thinks discipline is a dirty word and automatically equates "work" to legalism, Don Whitney shows us that the spiritual disciplines are the way to spiritual liberty, not bondage. We *must* be a people of discipline because the natural man will never drift forward in love and holiness to the Lord. Only by intentional discipline will we move forward. But advancement in the Christian life comes not by our labor in it alone, nor the Holy Spirit alone, but by our responding to and cooperation with the grace of God that He alone initiates and sustains. I felt this book was thorough in it's coverage of motivations behind the disciplines. It did not leave me feeling a weight of bondage, but of great liberty and hope and greater zeal for the Word. I appreciate that Whitney even specifically mentions a few times the busyness of mothers of little ones, yet with much gentleness He points out that life will never be *not* busy, and these habits are to be pursued regardless of age and stage of life. Great quotes from Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield, David Brainerd, and others. (I am glad to see there is now an updated version of this book. as I think the one I read might be distracting to younger people, with the occasional mentions of "portable stereos" and cassette tapes :))
"How often do we hear about the discipline of the Christian life these days? How often do we talk about it? How often is it really to be found at the heart of our evangelical living? There was a time in the Christian church when this was at the very centre, and it is, I profoundly believe, because of our neglect of this discipline that the church is in her present position. Indeed, I see no hope whatsoever of any true revival and reawakening until we return to it."--Martin Lloyd Jones
October 9, 2024
A legendary book. Donald Whitney is wise, easily understandable/digestable, and inspiring.
Ever since Dec 2021, I started getting into different good habits and really honing in on increasing my discipline and will. When I was born again in Apr 2022, I started getting into spiritual disciplines - reading the Bible and prayer. But I never really learned how to do it from others. I just opened my Bible and read it; I just prayed a couple sentences and that was it. I was very disciplined, but I didn't know the intricacies.
In Oct 2022, I got this book to read alongside my youth group co-leaders. Here, I learned not just more about Reading the Bible and Prayer, but a whole host of other "Disciplines" that I never knew about or never considered a discipline. This leveled up my spiritual domain tenfold. After reading some chapters I'd be so passionate and excited to implement Whitney's advice, and other times I'd be trembling as I reflected on my own life in light of the new information/perspectives/ideas.
I recommend this book to anyone who doesn't know much about discipline or spiritual disciplines. Huge ROI. But if you've read about disciplines before, maybe this will not have to be such a priority.
The forward by J.I. Packer, a legend, suggested to read this book 2 more times, with a month interval between each reading to really soak the contents into your soul. I am late with implementing his recommendation as I had to prioritize some other books, but I will definitely take his word and come back to this book soon.
Update September 2024:
I tried to re-read this book and got through a few chapters, but couldn't continue. It's definitely good, but now it's not worth my time as I've grown a lot in the last year since reading it. I still very much recommend this book, but only if you lack deep understanding of spiritual disciplines.
Ever since Dec 2021, I started getting into different good habits and really honing in on increasing my discipline and will. When I was born again in Apr 2022, I started getting into spiritual disciplines - reading the Bible and prayer. But I never really learned how to do it from others. I just opened my Bible and read it; I just prayed a couple sentences and that was it. I was very disciplined, but I didn't know the intricacies.
In Oct 2022, I got this book to read alongside my youth group co-leaders. Here, I learned not just more about Reading the Bible and Prayer, but a whole host of other "Disciplines" that I never knew about or never considered a discipline. This leveled up my spiritual domain tenfold. After reading some chapters I'd be so passionate and excited to implement Whitney's advice, and other times I'd be trembling as I reflected on my own life in light of the new information/perspectives/ideas.
I recommend this book to anyone who doesn't know much about discipline or spiritual disciplines. Huge ROI. But if you've read about disciplines before, maybe this will not have to be such a priority.
The forward by J.I. Packer, a legend, suggested to read this book 2 more times, with a month interval between each reading to really soak the contents into your soul. I am late with implementing his recommendation as I had to prioritize some other books, but I will definitely take his word and come back to this book soon.
Update September 2024:
I tried to re-read this book and got through a few chapters, but couldn't continue. It's definitely good, but now it's not worth my time as I've grown a lot in the last year since reading it. I still very much recommend this book, but only if you lack deep understanding of spiritual disciplines.
July 5, 2022
I can’t say enough about this book for anyone endeavoring to follow Christ and live a life pleasing to God. This is one of the best books I have ever read on HOW to live the Christian life!
The subjects covered include prayer, Bible reading, scripture memory, meditation, fasting, service, giving, worship, journaling, stewardship. The author gives very practical instruction on the why and how of the disciplines, while keeping the focus on one’s personal growth in Christ. It is not theoretical - it offers suggestions and tips for practical application.
In addition to strategies to develop the spiritual disciplines, readers also are treated to rich insights, stories and examples from scripture and life that encourage one to embrace the disciplines outlined in scripture.
EXCELLENT! I listened to this on Audible but now will purchase a hard copy for my library!
The subjects covered include prayer, Bible reading, scripture memory, meditation, fasting, service, giving, worship, journaling, stewardship. The author gives very practical instruction on the why and how of the disciplines, while keeping the focus on one’s personal growth in Christ. It is not theoretical - it offers suggestions and tips for practical application.
In addition to strategies to develop the spiritual disciplines, readers also are treated to rich insights, stories and examples from scripture and life that encourage one to embrace the disciplines outlined in scripture.
EXCELLENT! I listened to this on Audible but now will purchase a hard copy for my library!
June 9, 2023
I never clicked that I finished this book! I read it this semester with my d group gals! First d group book I actually read in total, I would say don’t tell @emmie but I’m sure she already knows. This book’s cover is so ugly. And I judged it because of that. But the inside has so much in depth and scripturally backed insight into each spiritual discipline. It truly challenged me every week and I came to group every Monday feeling like there’s no way I could possibly implement this new discipline I learned about PLUS all the ones from the last weeks. But that’s the point! Jesus asks for obedience not perfection! The end of this book summed up our need for Jesus so well and emphasized that everything we do in this life matters for eternity. 10/10 recommend for anyone wanting to grow deeper in faith. It’s great to read with a group of pals bc it is a lot to process!
December 28, 2023
This book has changed the way I view Spiritual Disciplines and their purpose in my life. After the completion of this book, I feel refreshed and renewed in my thinking of Bible intake, prayer, silence and solitude, and fellowship. I highly recommend this to any Christian desiring to discipline themselves for the purpose of godliness.
September 22, 2023
3.5 stars overall, definitely an above-average read.
The good side of this book is that Whitney goes into much detail concerning several biblically commanded, and several helpful but not commanded, spiritual disciplines. Many of his comments on these various disciplines are exegeted right from Scripture, and his overall point of relating all the discplines back to our desire for godliness (Christlikeness) is fantastic.
The not-so good side of this book is that it is quite, quite wordy. This book could have been a third its length and three times as potent as a result, if only it were written concisely. Additionally, several of his described disciplines are a bit lacking in the exegesis department, and far more reliant on the Evangelical-Southern-Baptist-tradition department.
The good side of this book is that Whitney goes into much detail concerning several biblically commanded, and several helpful but not commanded, spiritual disciplines. Many of his comments on these various disciplines are exegeted right from Scripture, and his overall point of relating all the discplines back to our desire for godliness (Christlikeness) is fantastic.
The not-so good side of this book is that it is quite, quite wordy. This book could have been a third its length and three times as potent as a result, if only it were written concisely. Additionally, several of his described disciplines are a bit lacking in the exegesis department, and far more reliant on the Evangelical-Southern-Baptist-tradition department.
June 13, 2023
Absolutely banging
March 30, 2024
Biblically saturated, simple, and practical. There are times in the Christian life when we need to be shaken by the shoulders and told to wake up, and times when we need more gentle reminders that we are loved and forgiven. This book falls under the former, urgent conviction.
I’ll also add that it was so helpful to discuss this in a group! I learned so much more and it also helped to have added accountability.
I strongly recommend this one!
I’ll also add that it was so helpful to discuss this in a group! I learned so much more and it also helped to have added accountability.
I strongly recommend this one!
November 23, 2021
eternally grateful for this book & for Dr.Whitney's candid and pastoral approach to our class. can't wait to come back to this one!
February 1, 2023
I think it would have been maybe helpful if the last chapter on "Perseverance in the Disciplines" was actually the first chapter. Of course, I only say that now after having read it at the end. It was helpful there too. Maybe have it at the beginning, and go back after the end of the book and read it again. :) It's easy to start this book and go really slowly or stop or get discouraged because you have SO MUCH to learn and improve on. Especially since the first 3-4 chapters are so long and big and important.
(The final chapter gives helpful words about perseverance; 1. sanctification and "discipline"/self-control are fruits of the spirit. 2. it's important to have Christian fellowship and grow in the disciplines with other believers. (also, the difference between true fellowship and just socializing) and then 3. although the Spirit is the base and foundation of our self-discipline, there is struggle. Paul talks about toiling and striving; it's expected! And it's a good thing. Victory doesn't come without struggle.
So I think if that chapter was first, it might help people keep referring to it as they read the rest of the book; not grow quite as overwhelmed thinking that "there's no way I can change all this" and maybe talking with other believers about the struggle and growth and disciplines that we all are called to.
Very good though, very convicting; would recommend to everyone, I think, and will probably try to read again in just a few years or less. Or read a chapter a month and try to work on one thing for a while? hm. :) Took me 6 months and a week to read the first time.
(The final chapter gives helpful words about perseverance; 1. sanctification and "discipline"/self-control are fruits of the spirit. 2. it's important to have Christian fellowship and grow in the disciplines with other believers. (also, the difference between true fellowship and just socializing) and then 3. although the Spirit is the base and foundation of our self-discipline, there is struggle. Paul talks about toiling and striving; it's expected! And it's a good thing. Victory doesn't come without struggle.
So I think if that chapter was first, it might help people keep referring to it as they read the rest of the book; not grow quite as overwhelmed thinking that "there's no way I can change all this" and maybe talking with other believers about the struggle and growth and disciplines that we all are called to.
Very good though, very convicting; would recommend to everyone, I think, and will probably try to read again in just a few years or less. Or read a chapter a month and try to work on one thing for a while? hm. :) Took me 6 months and a week to read the first time.
September 22, 2022
A book that the Christian of 50 years and the Christian of 2 months must read. This book fed me rich gospel truth in how to grow more like Christ. Whitney will not burden you but instead will gracefully point you in the direction we as Christians must go. I hope to read this book many more times before I meet my savior.
Why must we practice spiritual disciplines? Whitney addressed this.
“All this talk of disciplining myself sounds legalistic and regimented and harder than I thought being like Christ should be. I just want to be spontaneous!"
John Guest responds well to this temptation:
"Discipline" has become a dirty word in our culture... I know I am speaking heresy in many circles, but spontaneity is greatly overvalued. The "spontaneous" person who shrugs off the need for discipline is like the farmer who went out to gather the eggs. As he walked across the farmyard toward the hen house, he noticed the pump was leaking. So he stopped to fix it. It needed a new washer, so he set off to the barn to get one. But on the way he saw that the hayloft needed straightening, so he went to fetch the pitchfork. Hanging next to the pitchfork was a broom with a broken handle. "I must make a note to myself to buy a broom handle the next time I get to town," he thought... By now it is clear that the farmer is not going to get his eggs gathered, nor is he likely to accomplish anything else he sets out to do. He is utterly, gloriously spontaneous, but he is hardly free. He is, if anything, a prisoner to his unbridled spontaneity. The fact of the matter is that discipline is the only way to freedom; it is the necessary context for spontaneity." (301-302)
Why must we practice spiritual disciplines? Whitney addressed this.
“All this talk of disciplining myself sounds legalistic and regimented and harder than I thought being like Christ should be. I just want to be spontaneous!"
John Guest responds well to this temptation:
"Discipline" has become a dirty word in our culture... I know I am speaking heresy in many circles, but spontaneity is greatly overvalued. The "spontaneous" person who shrugs off the need for discipline is like the farmer who went out to gather the eggs. As he walked across the farmyard toward the hen house, he noticed the pump was leaking. So he stopped to fix it. It needed a new washer, so he set off to the barn to get one. But on the way he saw that the hayloft needed straightening, so he went to fetch the pitchfork. Hanging next to the pitchfork was a broom with a broken handle. "I must make a note to myself to buy a broom handle the next time I get to town," he thought... By now it is clear that the farmer is not going to get his eggs gathered, nor is he likely to accomplish anything else he sets out to do. He is utterly, gloriously spontaneous, but he is hardly free. He is, if anything, a prisoner to his unbridled spontaneity. The fact of the matter is that discipline is the only way to freedom; it is the necessary context for spontaneity." (301-302)
August 18, 2017
3.5 stars. In the all-important pursuit of holiness, it is good to consider spiritual disciplines. Are there spiritual activities that we can discipline ourselves to maintain, and will these activities help promote our spiritual growth? Yes, indeed. Whitney does very well to focus on the principle of disciplining oneself for godliness. After all, where in Scripture do we see godliness "just happening to" people who have made no effort to pursue it?
Regarding the spiritual disciplines that Whitney chose to discuss, I would have liked to see a stronger biblically-based argument for including the list of disciplines that he did. For example, why does journaling make the list but not singing, even though singing is clearly commended in Scripture? Another criticism of this book is that I think it's long-winded in many places. Some of what Whitney said about each discipline seemed like overkill, repetitiveness, or just padding the pages.
Nevertheless, there is much good, practical discussion in this book. No doubt any Christian who reads it can find a new discipline to cultivate or find new ways to strengthen the disciplines he or she is already doing!
(Read for the 2017 Tim Challies Christian Reading Challenge: A book about spiritual disciplines)
Regarding the spiritual disciplines that Whitney chose to discuss, I would have liked to see a stronger biblically-based argument for including the list of disciplines that he did. For example, why does journaling make the list but not singing, even though singing is clearly commended in Scripture? Another criticism of this book is that I think it's long-winded in many places. Some of what Whitney said about each discipline seemed like overkill, repetitiveness, or just padding the pages.
Nevertheless, there is much good, practical discussion in this book. No doubt any Christian who reads it can find a new discipline to cultivate or find new ways to strengthen the disciplines he or she is already doing!
(Read for the 2017 Tim Challies Christian Reading Challenge: A book about spiritual disciplines)
December 23, 2022
An excellent overview book of the spiritual disciplines. Whitney’s book is superb at showing a Scriptural basis for each discipline, illustrating with interesting material, and offering no-nonsense suggestions.
March 23, 2020
Learned so much from this book and is super foundational and transformative whether you are a new believer or have been walking with God for years. Great reminders and was spurred on.
February 16, 2024
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life breaks down in small chunks the different disciplines essential to life as a follower of Christ. Each chapter delves into a different subject to focus our discipline upon, giving a scriptural basis for each topic and providing practical applications as well.
From the first few chapters covering the interconnected relationship between Bible intake, prayer, and worship, and the further disciplines of evangelism and stewardship, Whitney gives excellent practical application of the reading, hearing, and studying of God's word. On the topic of memorization and meditation, many different useful methods are given, and Scripture is given to back up the importance of these disciplines.
(Psalm 119:11)
One of my favorite chapters came in the form of the Discipline of Silence and Solitude, in which Whitney expounds the virtue of quiet time with God. In this chapter the value of silence is explored, including a powerful short story and a host of Scripture showing Christ's own usage of this discipline. In these times of solitude we can focus on centering our lives and worship on God, controlling our minds and mouths, to seek His will for our lives.
As Martyn Lloyd-Jones is quoted within, "We must discipline our lives, but we must do so all the year round, and not merely at stated periods. I must discipline myself at all times." This book provides a wide array of insights on how we can live with Christ-like discipline. I highly recommend this book if you seek practical methods to further your walk with God.
From the first few chapters covering the interconnected relationship between Bible intake, prayer, and worship, and the further disciplines of evangelism and stewardship, Whitney gives excellent practical application of the reading, hearing, and studying of God's word. On the topic of memorization and meditation, many different useful methods are given, and Scripture is given to back up the importance of these disciplines.
(Psalm 119:11)
One of my favorite chapters came in the form of the Discipline of Silence and Solitude, in which Whitney expounds the virtue of quiet time with God. In this chapter the value of silence is explored, including a powerful short story and a host of Scripture showing Christ's own usage of this discipline. In these times of solitude we can focus on centering our lives and worship on God, controlling our minds and mouths, to seek His will for our lives.
As Martyn Lloyd-Jones is quoted within, "We must discipline our lives, but we must do so all the year round, and not merely at stated periods. I must discipline myself at all times." This book provides a wide array of insights on how we can live with Christ-like discipline. I highly recommend this book if you seek practical methods to further your walk with God.
June 28, 2022
For anyone looking to learn more what it means to follow Christ faithfully and walk in joyful obedience... this book is crazy helpful. Whitney doesn't waste words, but powerfully and practically lays out the Biblical disciplines by which God, through his Spirit, works to make us like Christ. Many times, I was convicted of my lack of obedience in certain areas, and always found myself encouraged to pursue knowing God with greater diligence and direction, according to the very specific disciplines laid out in Scripture. How grateful I am for Whitney and this book. I think I'll take Packer's advice in the forward and read this book again in a few months. I don't think it will be a waste of my time.
August 11, 2024
From where does godliness flow, and what does the Bible teach about the spiritual disciplines? I greatly enjoyed Whitney’s generous integration of scripture throughout this book as he helped to answer these questions. Whitney’s practical advice and shepherding heart was a great encouragement.
I sought to incorporate application as I went through the chapters, which was a slow but fruitful process, and allowed for some small new disciplines to form - all glory be to God for His grace through this brother’s wisdom!
I would recommend this title to anyone looking to learn the heart of godliness and seeking practical ways to mature in the spiritual disciplines. I hope to read this book again and again.
I sought to incorporate application as I went through the chapters, which was a slow but fruitful process, and allowed for some small new disciplines to form - all glory be to God for His grace through this brother’s wisdom!
I would recommend this title to anyone looking to learn the heart of godliness and seeking practical ways to mature in the spiritual disciplines. I hope to read this book again and again.
July 1, 2013
“Then you read this book, which encourages you to practice all these Spiritual Disciplines. And it makes you feel like a tired, staggering juggler on a highwire, trying to keep a dozen eggs in the air with someone else wanting to throw you a half dozen more.” page 236
Exactly how I felt after reading this book! Much of what was written was basic Christianity 101 - read your bible. pray, etc. It never hurts to review though, and it helped challenge me to renew my efforts and not become slothful. I especially liked chapter 12 which dealt with gaining knowledge and reading, a subject dear to my heart. Whitney was careful to balance the necessity of head knowledge with heart zeal.
“According to a book of the Bible written specifically to give us wisdom, one of the characteristics of a wise man or woman is a desire for learning. We read in Proverbs 9:9, “Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.” Wise and righteous people can never get enough wisdom or knowledge. Those unteachable or prideful about their learning only reveal how shallow they really are. There is humility with the truly wise because they know there is so much they have yet to learn. This verse says that wise and righteous people are teachable. They can learn from anybody, regardless of age. Give one of them instruction and “he will be wiser still and he will add to his learning.” Those who are wise are always looking to learn. In Proverbs 10:14 we're told, “Wise men store up knowledge.” The Hebrew word here means to store up like a treasure. Wise men and women love to learn because they realize that knowledge is like a precious treasure.
Notice Proverbs 18:15: “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.” Wise people not only acquire” knowledge, they “seek” it. They desire to learn and discipline themselves to seek opportunities to learn. One other verse in Proverbs deserves our attention. In 23:12 we're commanded, “Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.” No matter how much you know, especially about God, Christ, the Bible, and the Christian life, you still need to apply your heart to learn, for you haven't learned it all. And no matter how intelligent or slow you may think you are, according to this verse you are to diligently apply your heart and ears to learn. Learning is a lifelong Discipline, a Spiritual Discipline that characterizes the wise person. Samuel Hopkins, one of the early biographers of Jonathan Edwards, said that when he met Edwards he was impressed by the fact that a man already twenty years in the ministry had still “an uncommon thirst for knowledge . . . he read all the books, especially books of divinity, that he could come at.” Edwards had an undeniably superior mind, but he never stopped applying it to learn. It was that, blended with an equally strong devotional zeal, that made him wise and great in the Kingdom of God. A durable yearning for learning characterizes all those who are truly wise.
There is an intellectualism that is wrong, but it is also wrong to be anti-intellectual. We are to love God just as much with our mind as with our heart and soul and strength. How can it all fit together? As contemporary Christian thinker R. C. Sproul wrote, “God has made us with a harmony of heart and head, of thought and action. . . . The more we know Him the more we are able to love Him. The more we love Him the more we seek to know Him. To be central in our hearts He must be foremost in our minds. Religious thought is the prerequisite to religious affection and obedient action.”
Unless we love God with a growing mind, we will be like Christian versions of the Samaritans to whom Jesus said, “You Samaritans worship what you do not know” (John 4:22).
The late London preacher Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminded us, “Let us never forget that the message of the Bible is addressed primarily to the mind, to the understanding.” No one is changed by an unread Bible. No one grows into a Godliness he or she knows nothing about. The Word of God must go through our head if it's going to change our heart and our life. The absence of the Discipline of learning explains why many professing believers seem to grow so little in Godliness. Richard Foster makes the same point, referring to learning as the Discipline of study.
Many Christians remain in bondage to fears and anxieties simply because they do not avail themselves of the Discipline of study. They may be faithful in church attendance and earnest in fulfilling their religious duties and still they are not changed. I am not here speaking only of those who are going through mere religious forms, but of those who are genuinely seeking to worship and obey Jesus Christ as Lord and Master. They may sing with gusto, pray in the Spirit, live as obediently as they know how, . . . and yet the tenor of their lives remains unchanged. Why? Because they have never taken up one of the central ways God uses to change us: study.
Besides more conformity to the world and a lack of growth in Godliness, those who are not disciplined learners have little spiritual discernment and become prime targets for the cults, New Age influence, and other false prophets. The Bible tells us to be like Christ, but it also warns us not to be foolish, untaught, naive, or ignorant. Taken together these two strands of truth tell us we must learn to be like Jesus.” pages 224-226, 228
Exactly how I felt after reading this book! Much of what was written was basic Christianity 101 - read your bible. pray, etc. It never hurts to review though, and it helped challenge me to renew my efforts and not become slothful. I especially liked chapter 12 which dealt with gaining knowledge and reading, a subject dear to my heart. Whitney was careful to balance the necessity of head knowledge with heart zeal.
“According to a book of the Bible written specifically to give us wisdom, one of the characteristics of a wise man or woman is a desire for learning. We read in Proverbs 9:9, “Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.” Wise and righteous people can never get enough wisdom or knowledge. Those unteachable or prideful about their learning only reveal how shallow they really are. There is humility with the truly wise because they know there is so much they have yet to learn. This verse says that wise and righteous people are teachable. They can learn from anybody, regardless of age. Give one of them instruction and “he will be wiser still and he will add to his learning.” Those who are wise are always looking to learn. In Proverbs 10:14 we're told, “Wise men store up knowledge.” The Hebrew word here means to store up like a treasure. Wise men and women love to learn because they realize that knowledge is like a precious treasure.
Notice Proverbs 18:15: “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.” Wise people not only acquire” knowledge, they “seek” it. They desire to learn and discipline themselves to seek opportunities to learn. One other verse in Proverbs deserves our attention. In 23:12 we're commanded, “Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.” No matter how much you know, especially about God, Christ, the Bible, and the Christian life, you still need to apply your heart to learn, for you haven't learned it all. And no matter how intelligent or slow you may think you are, according to this verse you are to diligently apply your heart and ears to learn. Learning is a lifelong Discipline, a Spiritual Discipline that characterizes the wise person. Samuel Hopkins, one of the early biographers of Jonathan Edwards, said that when he met Edwards he was impressed by the fact that a man already twenty years in the ministry had still “an uncommon thirst for knowledge . . . he read all the books, especially books of divinity, that he could come at.” Edwards had an undeniably superior mind, but he never stopped applying it to learn. It was that, blended with an equally strong devotional zeal, that made him wise and great in the Kingdom of God. A durable yearning for learning characterizes all those who are truly wise.
There is an intellectualism that is wrong, but it is also wrong to be anti-intellectual. We are to love God just as much with our mind as with our heart and soul and strength. How can it all fit together? As contemporary Christian thinker R. C. Sproul wrote, “God has made us with a harmony of heart and head, of thought and action. . . . The more we know Him the more we are able to love Him. The more we love Him the more we seek to know Him. To be central in our hearts He must be foremost in our minds. Religious thought is the prerequisite to religious affection and obedient action.”
Unless we love God with a growing mind, we will be like Christian versions of the Samaritans to whom Jesus said, “You Samaritans worship what you do not know” (John 4:22).
The late London preacher Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminded us, “Let us never forget that the message of the Bible is addressed primarily to the mind, to the understanding.” No one is changed by an unread Bible. No one grows into a Godliness he or she knows nothing about. The Word of God must go through our head if it's going to change our heart and our life. The absence of the Discipline of learning explains why many professing believers seem to grow so little in Godliness. Richard Foster makes the same point, referring to learning as the Discipline of study.
Many Christians remain in bondage to fears and anxieties simply because they do not avail themselves of the Discipline of study. They may be faithful in church attendance and earnest in fulfilling their religious duties and still they are not changed. I am not here speaking only of those who are going through mere religious forms, but of those who are genuinely seeking to worship and obey Jesus Christ as Lord and Master. They may sing with gusto, pray in the Spirit, live as obediently as they know how, . . . and yet the tenor of their lives remains unchanged. Why? Because they have never taken up one of the central ways God uses to change us: study.
Besides more conformity to the world and a lack of growth in Godliness, those who are not disciplined learners have little spiritual discernment and become prime targets for the cults, New Age influence, and other false prophets. The Bible tells us to be like Christ, but it also warns us not to be foolish, untaught, naive, or ignorant. Taken together these two strands of truth tell us we must learn to be like Jesus.” pages 224-226, 228
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