The Spiritual Gym

Ignatius of Loyola ( 1491-1556) is famous for his spiritual exercises and devotional practices such as Lectio Divina or Divine Reading. They have been standard practice for the Jesuit Movement and still are.

Ignatius rightly points out that they Devil will attack where we are most vulnerable and at our weakest moments. Does that mean we are helpless......we all have weaknesses that make us vulnerable to attack, our task is to develop resilience against that attack. To develop strategies that will enable us to resist the Devil as it says in scripture and he will flee.

 Our reflective practice of knowing ourselves is a great weapon at our disposal. If we are self aware we may be able to discern our weakness and makes efforts to strengthen ourselves in that area. 

The old saying goes "for warned is for armed" . If we are vigilant we can identify an issue or weakness before it become a major problem by acknowledging our risk and developing good strategy and support. One of the best strategies I know is to develop strong relationships with other believers especially if you are men. There are areas that men particularly are vulnerable, such as pornography. Acknowledging our weakness and having close male support and a strategy to deal with this which makes  us safer.

Ignatius writes the enemy is weak in the presence of strength. We need to practice our spiritual disciplines on a regular basis. Most times we don't succumb to temptation overnight it is a process that can be alleviated at any stage along the way. Although it does get more difficult the further into the temptation you move.
So what do we do:

1. Acknowledge our weaknesses.
2. Develop our spiritual disciplines.
3. Develop a strategy to deal with our weaknesses.
4. Involve your brother and sister Christians...... Do not try and fly solo! There is safety in numbers who move in transparent and authentic fellowship.

Practice these things, spiritual muscle is born through exercise just like going to the gym!

What are your weaknesses? If you don't know ask someone close to you......................... they can probably tell you.

 

Until next time.
Paul