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Creating a Rule
Completion requirements
Although the concept of a “rule of life” may seem archaic or reserved for monks in distant monasteries, the truth is that every believer can benefit from this idea. In his introduction to this lesson, Dr. J. L. Miller references Evan B. Howard, who leads an organization called the *Spirituality Shop*. Inspired by Howard’s insights, Dr. Miller suggests developing a rule of life as a way to move toward a healthy spiritual rhythm in your own life.
Gospel Reflection
The foundation of all Christian practice is rooted in the gospel. Begin by considering:
- What does the word gospel inspire in you?
- What is the broader vision of the gospel, and how do you interpret it?
The path toward forming a spiritual rule, one that cultivates healthy spiritual practices, begins by reflecting on the role of the gospel in your life. Think about God’s work in your world and in the world at large. This is not an academic exercise, so there’s no need to be theologically or systematically precise. Allow yourself to explore, in an intimate and personal way, the influence and love of God in your life and in the world.
A Personalized Vision of the Gospel
With the general vision of the gospel in mind, now turn your focus inward:
- Examine your current stage of life.
- Recognize the areas of your life that are aligned with the gospel—and those that are not.
- Reflect on God’s recent work in your life and consider possible paths He may be opening before you.
This is your spiritual “inventory,” a crucial step in crafting a rule that is both personal and effective.
Identify Your Critical Point
The “critical point” is the specific area in your life that most needs spiritual growth or change:
- What challenges are you facing today, tomorrow, and in the near future?
- Ask yourself: Where do I struggle? Where do I overreact? Where do I feel near to or far from God?
These insights lay the foundation for your rule.
Creating the Rule
With the groundwork in place, you are now ready to create your rule of life. This rule will include spiritual practices that directly connect with the insights gained from your reflection. Adapt these practices to address your “critical point,” linking them back to your understanding of the gospel.
For example, if you’ve struggled to consistently engage with Scripture, your rule might include reading a set number of verses each morning. Or, if you find that technology disrupts your spiritual rhythm, perhaps you’ll commit to not checking your phone until after a time of morning prayer.
Remember, the goal is not to create an exhaustive or overly ambitious rule, but rather a realistic and meaningful guide, tailored to your current spiritual needs.
The goal in forming a “rule” is not to create an exhaustive or overly ambitious standard, but a realistic and meaningful guide suited to your present spiritual needs.
An Example
Here’s an example of how you might outline the broad contours of a rule:
- Gospel Vision: What gospel is God bringing to the world right now? There is a lot of fear and anger in the world at this moment. But that’s not the whole story. There are Christians living with hope. There are young people with strong faith. There are still those loving others, whose lives embody good news for the world.
- Personal Vision: How does my life relate to that gospel? I give in so easily to anger, fear, and despair. Some of that comes from what I see on social media and the news channels. I could say they keep me informed about what to pray and work toward—but I’m beginning to wonder if they’re actually poisoning and eroding my spiritual life.
- Critical Point: What do I need to better align with the gospel? I need to “feed” my mind with different things. For example, I need to read more from the Gospels in Scripture. I need to pray with greater faith, believing that God is working and that many Christians still embody faith, hope, and love.
- Created Rule: I commit to not spending more time on social media or news sources than I spend reading the Gospels each week—and no more than three hours total per week on those platforms. I will pray at least 10 minutes each day in praise and thanksgiving to God with prayers full of love, joy, and hope.
In monasteries, the concept of a *trellis* was helpful in thinking about these kinds of “rules” for life. A trellis is a kind of scaffolding used to help vines grow in a structured and fruitful way. Just as vines need a trellis to grow upright and bear fruit, we sometimes need structure—or “rules”—in our lives to help us flourish spiritually.
Establishing a personal “rule of life” isn’t about confining you; it’s about channeling your spiritual growth in the right direction. It provides the structure needed to navigate the complexities of life while keeping your spirit aligned with the teachings of God. God’s love for you is boundless, and a rule of life can help draw you closer to Him—enriching both your spiritual journey and your daily life.