by Colonel Janice Howard
Territorial Leader for Leader Development
Salvation, holiness, spiritual disciplines and actions are all part of spiritual formation; but what exactly is it?
Dallas Willard writes, “Christian spiritual formation is the process through which the embodied/reflective will takes on the character of Christ’s will.”
According to the United Methodist Rio Texas Conference website, John Wesley “equated spiritual formation with vitality and productivity in ministry when he said…, ‘…wherever [true religion] is really fixed in the soul, it will be shown by its fruits.’”
Robert Mulholland, Jr., defines spiritual formation “as a process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others” (Invitation to Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation).
I would add “in the name of Jesus Christ” to these definitions.
It is because of our relationship with Him and through scripture that our mindset and our life view are focused on Christ. This keeps us on track, so we do not “become” and do things for our own glory.
Whichever definition you choose, there are several parts to Christian spiritual formation.
There is a process. It does not happen immediately. It takes time.
We are being formed (transformed, conformed, changed). Our sinful beings are made into something new and beautiful.
It involves becoming more Christlike. After all, Christ is the one we are to emulate.
It is for the purpose of others. We are personally transformed, but this transformation is for other people. We look at people with the eyes of God. We love people with the love of God. We help people with the compassion of God.
It is in the name of Jesus that we become and do; it is not for an organization, another person or ourselves.
Let’s look at compassion.
Jesus showed compassion; we read about it throughout scripture. Sometimes we confuse this word with pity or empathy. Pity and empathy are emotions; but compassion is putting action to those emotions. Jesus taught us about compassion.
Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son
(Luke 7:11-15)
A widow’s only son died. What would she do? Who would take care of her? She is grieving. Jesus sees her and knows the status and potential for her as a husbandless and sonless woman in society at that time.
“When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. ‘Don’t cry!’ he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. ‘Young man,’ he said, ‘I tell you, get up.’” (vs 13-14, NLT)
We see that His pity led to action, the healing of the widow’s son. She asked Jesus for nothing, yet He was moved with compassion.
Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy
(Mark 1:40-42)
Leprosy is a devastating disease, especially in biblical times. Lepers were ostracized, having to live outside of the camp during the infection period and to shout “unclean” if anyone came near them. Scars remained for life. Where was family? Where was work? Where was life?
“A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched
him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed.” (vs 40-42, NLT)
Jesus risked His health and would be considered unclean if He touched the infected man, yet Jesus’ compassion led Him to act.
Good Samaritan
(Luke 10:30-37)
There is a mix of people in this story which Jesus tells an expert in religious law. A Jewish victim was beaten and left beside a dangerous road between Jerusalem and Jericho. A priest, God’s servant, saw the man and walked by. A Temple assistant looked and kept walking. A despised Samaritan saw the victim and did something.
“…and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan
soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’” (vs 33-35, NLT)
Place each of these stories in today’s context. Do you relate to one of the characters? Are you growing in compassion, which is a fruit of spiritual formation? Is your heart moved with pity to act for the sake of others in Jesus’ name? Or do you say “ouch” and need the Lord to help you develop further? Think on these things and respond.
