Rule of Life is an intentional pattern of spiritual disciplines that provides structure and direction for growth

Rule of Life is an intentional pattern of spiritual disciplines that provides structure and


direction for growth in holiness. A Rule establishes a rhythm for life in which is helpful for


being formed by the Spirit, a rhythm that reflects a love for God and respect for how he has made


us. The disciplines which we build into our rhythm of life help us to shed the “old self” and


allow our “new self” in Christ to be formed. Spiritual disciplines are means of grace by which


God can nourish us. Ultimately a Rule should help you to love God more, so if it becomes a


legalistic way of earning points with God or impressing others, it should be scrapped. If the


traditional, ancient term “rule” concerns you because it sounds legalistic, think of “rule” as a


“rhythm of life” or as a “Curriculum in Christlikeness” (Dallas Willard), or as a “Game Plan for


Morphing” (John Ortberg).


In order to be life-giving, a Rule must be realistic! It is not an ideal toward which you are


striving to soar. Instead, your initial Rule should be a minimum standard for your life that you


do not want to drop below. It’s a realistic level of engaging in the spiritual disciplines for which


you can honestly and truly be held accountable.