We have all done something or acted in a way that shocked ourselves or at least forced us to publish a statement of regret or retraction. What hurts even more, at least for me, is the conflict within my mind and soul over growth. Not to copy Paul’s tongue twister (Romans 7), but I could have swore I have been taking the steps to engage in bible studies, prayer, healthy entertainment choices, and even serving the poor (only a little sarcasm). When it is all over, I still have this tendency to freakishly turn into this green monster of rage (you pick your poison).

Situations like these uncover the paradoxical issue of measuring ourselves on the continuum of spiritual growth.

First, should this even surprise us? It seems that most things in God’s kingdom and learning economy seem to have a divine process that places ours backwards. It doesn’t take long to realize that the bible emphasizes becoming a slave to be free, poor to be rich, last to be first, dead to be alive, etc.

However, we do not carry this obvious lesson with us through other experiences. Otherwise, we would know that spiritual growth cannot be measured by the number or depth of activities. In popular spiritual growth language we like to always defer to ’spiritual disciplines’ as the measurement. We climb up this slippery slope fallacy that leads us into a struggle to read more books, finish more bible reading plans, chart more hours of prayer, and acquire a more spiritual iTunes library. The result is a spiritual binge that leaves us sluggish and unable to react to the real barometer of growth……LIFE!

In a series on Pursuing Spiritual Transformation, Ortberg, Pederson, and Poling write, “Spiritual disciplines are not a barometer of spirituality…disciplines are never ends in themselves-only means to a greater end.” The greater end is being able to face the road we call life, and fulfill the greatest commandment to “love God and love man.” It almost seems cliche’ to use this phrase because it has become a brand more than a barometer, a catchphrase more than a cause, and a philosophy more than a plan.

To cycle back to the epiphany of my conversational experiences this past week. Spiritual growth is found in every situation, circumstance, and moment. It is available when you need to exercise restraint, express love, or endure suffering. Elevating God through emanate His love is transformation. Capture every moment, whether good or bad, easy or tough, expected or not. View them through a filter that measures your ability to love. This is where the measurement will capitalize on the proper use of spiritual disciplines, which is to build up the strength, stamina, and skill set for accomplishing the task.

Chance