Dr. Dallas Willard classifies spiritual disciplines into two categories:
Disciplines of Abstinence
solitude
silence
fasting
frugality
chastity
secrecy
sacrifice
Disciplines of Engagement
study
worship
celebration
service
prayer
fellowship
confession
submission
For Lent last year I gave up the newspaper. I did this to change up my daily routine or rhythm. I wanted to “fast” or abstain from something that told me how to start the day. I wanted a new way to start the day, a way that points me more directly at Jesus. It was difficult to give up the newspaper during March Madness college basketball – and being a Jayhawk nonetheless. But it worked. Each day I picked up the newspaper but did not read it. Each day I was reminded to go to prayer and meditate on g-d’s Word.
Tomorrow, I will say what I am doing this year. And the rest of Lent I plan to expound on the disciplines of the Christian faith, particularly Willard’s classifications.
