Have you ever wondered why some Christians seem to radiate peace while others remain stuck in the same old cycles of anxiety or anger? The difference often lies in a process known as spiritual formation.
While the term might sound academic, Christian formation is simply the process of being shaped into the likeness of Jesus for the sake of others. It is the intentional journey of faith formation where our inner world is transformed to match the character of Christ.
Defining the Journey
Dallas Willard, a pioneer in this field, famously defined spiritual formation as “the process of transformation of the inmost dimension of the human being, in such a way that its inner being becomes like the being of Christ himself.” According to The Dallas Willard Ministries, this isn’t about following a set of rules, but about changing who we are at the level of our desires and impulses.
From Information to Transformation
In the modern church, we often mistake discipleship for mere information. We think that if we know enough Bible verses, we are “formed.” However, writers like John Mark Comer—author of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry—argue that discipleship is about a “Rule of Life.” In his work with Practicing the Way, Comer emphasizes that we are always being formed by something—usually our culture’s pace and technology. True Christian formation requires us to slow down and adopt the habits of Jesus.
The Role of the Heart
Henri Nouwen added a layer of depth to this by focusing on the “solitude of the heart.” For Nouwen, faith formation isn’t just about doing; it’s about being the Beloved. In his classic The Way of the Heart, he suggests that silence and prayer are the kilns in which our spiritual lives are forged.
Conclusion
Christian spiritual formation is the lifelong “long obedience in the same direction.” It is the bridge between believing in Jesus and actually living like Him. By engaging in spiritual disciplines, we cooperate with the Holy Spirit to move from being “informed” to being truly “transformed.”
Would you like me to add a section on specific spiritual disciplines like silence or fasting to help practicalize this for your readers?
