As this year comes to a close I am starting to work on a “Rule of Life.” A “Rule of Life” is simply “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.” Here are some selections from Stephen Macchia’s book, Crafting a Rule of Life, on how our “roles” and our “gifts” fit into our Rule of Life.
Roles
Your personal rule of life is discerned and framed within the context of your primary relationships and your spiritual community, lived out in service to others.
List all your key relationships (names) and the role you play in each (father or mother, brother or sister, boss, colleague, student, friend).
What is the overall state of your personal relationships? What do you hope to focus on as a result of your individual reflections on this matter?
Prayerfully consider how God might be inviting you to focus on your top roles and key relationship during this seasons of your life. Are there specific issues you need to attend to within your particular roles or relationships at this time?
Gifts
Your personal rule of life is discerned and framed through the discovery of your spiritual gifts, natural talents, and temperament.
All of us have spiritual gifts and natural talents. When our talents are used for the glory of God and the building up of his church, they are enhanced by the ministry of God’s Spirit.
What are the top three to five activities in your life that are most life-giving to you? In contrast, what activities are most life-draining? In what ways does this reflect your self-awareness of the temperament God has created deep within you?
As you review your list of activities, gifts and talents, in what ways does your temperament factor into how you utilize or underutilize each of these?
How will you lean into the joy of developing these talents for your own enjoyment and the benefit of others?
CWoznicki Think Out Loud 