This essay is prompted by a paper entitled "Moving from Solitude to Ministry," by Henri Nouwen. (1) In this paper he states:

"But in the spiritual life, the word discipline means "the effort to create space in which God can act."  Discipline means to prevent everything in your life from being filled up. Discipline means that somewhere you're not occupied, and certainly not preoccupied.  In the spiritual life discipline means to create that space in which something important can happen that you hadn't planned or counted on." 

In this essay we wish to examine what spiritual discipline is.  Secondary, let determine whether Nouwen's definition fits the biblical description. Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen (1932 – 1996) was a Dutch-born Catholic priest and writer who authored 40 books about spirituality.  He is one of several authors who have discussed the subject of Christian Spirituality.   A Google search reveals over 2.3 Million "hits". 

We begin by examining the definition of "discipline" as used in the bible.  The word translated discipline is used 53 times with only 11 times in the New Testament (NIV).  There are shades of meaning in the Greek.  The principle meaning and usage in the New Testament for discipline is in the sense "to discipline" from "paideuo" (παιδεύω) which is to teach or punish (See I Cor11:32, Heb. 12:6-7, Heb. 12:10).  The second major use in the New Testament is paideia (παιδεία) which has the connotation of instruction, training, and correction.  (Heb 12:5, Heb. 12:8).  In 2 Tim. 1:7, we find the term "self-discipline".  This term (σωφρονισμός) means “behave in a sensible manner, with the thoughtful awareness of what is best." (2)   From these definitions we can deduce the discipline of God connotes correction, instruction, and training from God.  Self-discipline is the use of good judgment to do what is best for us.

Nouwen states that “The word discipleship and discipline are the same word."  Is this true?  The word disciple or disciples is used 297 times in the New Testament (NT).   Clearly, this word is used much more frequently than "discipline."  The Greek word for disciple is "mathetes" (μαθητής).   This word means “to learn, to be instructed.  A person who learns from another by instruction, whether formal or informal—‘disciple, pupil.^"  (2)To be a disciple is to be a follower of a teacher in order to learn from them.   Clearly, then "discipline" and discipleship are not the same thing.   Though discipline as used in the NT is usually given "by God", a disciple is one who follows what is given in order to learn from His instruction.  Self-discipline is having the good sense to follow what God has instructed us to do.

What then is spiritual discipline? We might observe that this term is not one explicitly used in the bible.  It is, rather, a term used to describe a regular practice of activities leading to spiritual development in one's life.   Perhaps a more common term today for this end result would "spiritual formation."  Spiritual formation is defined as "the process by which the human spirit or will is given a definite "form" or character."(3) In Christianity this character is the character of Christ.  Christian Spirituality itself has a definite history since the time of Christ.  It has taken various forms though out its 2000 year history.  Some hint of this may be deduced from the title chapters of one of its histories, "The Story of Christian Spirituality."(4) Some of the periods are: early church fathers, Celtic and Anglo-Saxon, the Medieval West, the Eastern Tradition, Russian, Protestant Europe, Catholic and Reformers, Anglican, Protestant American, and 20th Century Practices.    

To more clearly define what "spiritual discipline" is let us look at the definition of "spiritual".  The word for "spiritual" in the NT is pneumatikos (πνευματικός).  The essential meaning of “spiritual" is "from the spirit" (2).  This word is derived from pneuma (πνεῦμα) meaning wind, breath, life or vital force.  In the NT it is used as the power of God or God's life giving power.    In addition there are manifestations, works, and fruits of the spirit. (5).  Certainly that which is "spiritual" is not "physical".  It is immortal.  It is living a life without a me-centered, materialist point of view, but with the perspective of God.  Paul says it well in 2 Cor. 3:17-18 (NIV):

¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. ¹⁸ And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

 Spiritual disciplines are then those actions which lead to the transformation of our character into that of Christ.  

Since it is the character or image of Christ we are to be transformed into, we should examine the spiritual life of Jesus.  However, this is somewhat difficult as the gospels are not written to tell us in detail about Jesus life of prayer or spiritual life.  Luke is writing a history. John is related the signs and miracles so we might believe.  Matt is writing from the Jewish perspective of the Christ. Mark seems to concentrate on his acts.  So... we are left with deducing the spiritual life of Jesus primarily from his acts and teachings. 

Nouwen defines discipline as "creating a space in which God can act" or "to prevent everything in your life from being filled up."    This strictly speaking is not the definition of discipline.   Effective spiritual disciplines do however allow the Spirit to transform your life into the image of Christ.  In that sense they do “create a space in which God can act”.  In order to do this one must not let one’s life be consumed by the material with the focus on one’s self.   One must not let one’s life be filled up with only earthly things without a Godly focus. 

The second portion of his definition that is discipline is to “create that space in which something important can happen that you hadn't planned or counted on” is more problematical.  Spiritual disciplines by definition are performed to enable the transformation of one’s character into a Christ-like image.  Certainly one can “count on” this happening if one has faith and the disciplines are effective.  But, the transformation is one enabled by the Spirit, not one achieved strictly by human effort.

Nouwen then moves towards advocating specific spiritual disciplines using the narration of Luke 6:12=19.   Here Luke relates Jesus spending the night in prayer, next appointing his apostles, and then proceeding down the mount to minister to the people.  Nouwen then formulates from this a process for a person to come to ministry.  The process is from solitude to community to ministry.  The first discipline he formulates is solitude (from Jesus praying alone).  Here he states one should recognize we are “beloved.”  This he states should come before any other so that we will not expect others to feel we are “beloved” as we already are.  Next he proceeds to community from the act of Jesus appointing his apostles.  But, within this “discipline” of community he adds the disciplines of forgiveness (for their not being God) and celebration (of others gifts).  To minister he says one must trust that God will heal if we reach out to help us have gratitude instead of resentment and to have compassion.

Though the above has elements that may be very beneficial, one has to recognize this is only one formulation of how to let the Spirit lead us in Spiritual transformation.  There is no “set formula” in scripture and the elements he gives are certainly not explicitly stated as what one should do to obtain spiritual transformation.   One can certainly to emulate Jesus by praying in solitude.  But, we are also told to pray without ceasing.   The community deduced from his appointing his apostles would seem more like an example of what leaders should do to select and train others than defining this as a discipline from Jesus working in community.   As to his last point, certainly in ministry one should trust God.  

As indicated there are many other paths that have been traveled to be able to accomplish spiritual transformation.   For example, one could start with a “transformation of the mind.” This has the explicit biblical admonition given below:

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

This is where Willard begins(3).  On the other hand, James Wilhoit enables Spiritual Formation through the church community and a curriculum to that effect. (6)  “The group of solitude disciplines might include those of Richard Foster's: meditation, prayer, fasting, and study; i.e., the inner disciplines. What he calls community is what Foster calls outer disciplines and corporate disciplines (confession, celebration, worship, etc.). What he calls mission would match Foster's "service" and "submission".”[1]⁽⁷⁾

 Though Willard is recognized for his writings on Spiritual Formation, these three are referenced only to point out Nouwen’s article is but one man’s interpretation of these issues.   In fact one can readily find various “lists” of spiritual disciplines.  Some of these are:

Solitude, Silence, Fasting, Frugality, Simplicity, Chastity, Secrecy, Sacrifice, Study, Worship, Celebration, Service, Prayer, Fellowship, Confession, Submission, Meditation, Guidance, Journaling, Learning, Evangelism, Stewardship, Restitution, Working with Sufferers. (8)

Dallas Willard in "The Spirit of the Disciplines", defines Spiritual Disciplines as”“Any activity within our power that we engage to enable us to do what we cannot do by direct effort…They are designed to help us withdraw from total dependence on the merely human or natural…and to depend also on the ultimate reality, which is God and his kingdom.” (9) We must recognize that specific discipline may be more or less beneficial depending on the personality type and personal needs of the individual.  For example, the disciplines that might be grouped around Solitude may be “just the ticket” for an introverted individual.  But the disciplines that might be grouped around Community in some way might be better suited for an extrovert.   We should not get fixated on a one size fits all method  to enable  each person to draw closer to God.

None of this essay is intended to negate the benefit of exercising personal or communal spiritual disciplines in any way.

The discussion on what it means to be a “disciple” would take a much longer essay.  Suffice it to say that discussing this subject would take a much deeper examination of what Jesus actually did and what he taught than this essay can address.

1. Nouwen, Henri. Moving From Solitude to Community. Leadership Journal . [Online] Christianity Today, Spring 1995. [Cited: April 7, 2013.] http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/1995/spring/5l280.html.

2. Nida, J.P. Louw and E.A. Vol. 1 Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on semantic domains. New York : United Bible Societies, 1996.

3. Willard, Dallas. Renovation of the Heart. Colorado Springs : NavPress, 2002. 978-1-57683-296-7.

4. Gordon Mursell, General Editor. The Story of Christian Spirituality--TWo thousand years from East to West. Minneapolis : Lion Publishing, Inc, 2001. 0-8006-3289-3.

5. G. Kittel, G. Friedrich, G.W. Bromiley. Theological Dictionary of the New Testment. Grand Rapids : Eerdmans, 1985.

6. Wilhoit, James C. Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered. Grand Rapids : Baler Academic, 2008. 978-0-8010-2776-5.

7. Foster, Richard. The Path to Spiritual Growth. New York : Harper Collings, 1978. 0-06-062839.

8. Comparison of Spiritual Disciplines. Achieving Balance in an Unbalanced World. [Online] April 10, 2013. [Cited: April 10, 2013.] http://achievebalance.com/twelve/disciplines.htm.

9. Willard, Dallas. The Spirit of the Discipline. [e-boob] New York : Harper Collins, 1988. 0-06-069442-4.