How Can I Know the Will of God?

Every Christian understands that they should pursue God's will for their life. However, sometimes God's will feels very hard to find it. Many Christians are filled with stress and anxiety about discovering God's will. But is this God's will?

Some Christians approach discovering God’s will as if God was playing some game of “Spiritual Scavenger Hunt” with them. They act as if God is some divine puppet master dangling His will just beyond their reach until they beg and plead just right.

On the other hand, many modern Christians seem to have no concern for knowing or obeying God’s will. They are so consumed with living their life they have given little thought to learning or pursuing God’s will.

However, Scripture outlines four principles about God’s will that applies to every Christian.

Principle 1: It’s God’s Will for Believers to Pursue a Life of Sanctification.

1 Thessalonians 4:3–5 God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor—not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways.

At the very core of what it means to follow Christ is the idea of sanctification. Sanctification is the act of consecrating, making holy, or setting apart unto God.

Sanctification is a work of the Spirit (Rom. 15:16; 1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Thess.2:13) in unity with the will of the believer (Rom. 6:19; 2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Tim. 2:21). This means that while the Christian is not the cause of their sanctification, they aren’t mindless bystanders either.

God will not force the believer to consecrate themselves, but God WILL consecrate the believer who WILL’s Him to do so. In short, we are responsible for the pursuit of sanctification, but at the same time, we depend upon the grace of the Holy Spirit to enable us in that pursuit.

For Christians, living a life of sanctification is an act of worship as they continue to yield their will to God (Romans 12:1).

Principle 2: It’s God’s Will for Believers to Give Thanks in Every Situation.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

There should be no such thing as an unthankful Christian! When we recognize our incalculable debt to God for His lovingkindness and tender mercies, gratitude is the only proper response for Christians. Therefore, it is the will of God that every believer live a life of thankfulness to Him.

This life of gratitude flows from a humble attitude that acknowledges that we don’t deserve anything good from God (1 Corinthians 1:28–29). Understanding that every good gift comes from God (James 1:17); it is God’s will that every Christian put on a lifestyle of thankfulness (Colossians 3:12). This means that in every situation we find ourselves in, God's will requires us to keep a posture of thankfulness (1 Timothy 4:4–5).

Principle 3: It’s God’s Will for Believers to Live Wise.

Ephesians 5:15–17 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

The Christian is called to live a life characterized by godly wisdom (James 1:5; 3:17). This divine wisdom teaches us that we are finite creators who possess a limited number of days (Psalms 90:12). Because of this, God's will for His children not to waste their life on unwise or foolish pursuits.

Since we live in evil days, the enemy continually tries to trap the Christian into becoming sidetracked with ungodly and foolish efforts (1 Peter 5:8). It is the will of God that the Christian avoids ungodly and foolish behaviors and live in godly wisdom.

The only way Christians can know godly wisdom is by studying Scripture (2 Timothy 3:15). Having learned godly wisdom from His word; the Christian is equipped to live in God’s will. With holy boldness, the Christian is called to live in God’s wisdom no matter what the world says or does.

Principle 4: It’s God’s Will for Believers to Endure through Present Sufferings.

Hebrews 10:35–36 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

Suffering is the undeniable reality of our present state. As a result of living in a sin-cursed world, we should expect to deal with problems and trials (1 Peter 4:12–13). Jesus warned His disciples that tribulation was an unavoidable part of living for Him (John 16:33). Given this fact, it is vital that Christians embrace the truth that they must endure through present sufferings.

When suffering comes to Christians, God wills that we endure through it and go deeper in our relationship with Christ. Instead of causing us to give up and fall away from Christ, suffering should drive us into the arms of Christ as we depend more deeply upon His grace and strength (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Some Christians want to make the will of God a mysterious thing that is hard to discover. However, Scripture provides some clear principles about how God desires us to live. As we trust God to help us live in His will, we can be confident that He will lead us one step at a time into what He wants us to do in the future.

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About the Author

Dr. Laurito (DMin. Southwestern Assembly of God University) serves both the church and the academy as a pastor and an adjunct professor. Whether through books, sermons, podcasts, blogs, or biblical resources, Dr. Laurito is committed to equipping this generation to fulfill their Spirit-inspired destiny.

Is Procrastination a Sin?

Some would like to talk about the subject of procrastination later! However, countless problems arise when we fail to prioritize today and tomorrow correctly. Worry tries to pull tomorrow's issues into today, while procrastination does the opposite; it pushes today's issues into tomorrow.

Procrastination is “the act of willfully delaying the doing of something that should be done.” It’s this idea of putting off doing something, especially out of a habit of carelessness or laziness.

Procrastination can have some very negative spiritual implications. Therefore, the Christian should seek to build a character that avoids the habit of procrastination.

Scripture tells us that procrastination:

• Results in Poverty (Proverbs 6:9).

• Path of Pain (Proverbs 15:19).

• Results in Ruin (Proverbs 21:25).

• Product of Unrealistic Thinking (Ecclesiastes 11:4).

• Causes Missed Opportunity (John 9:4).

Discover four principles for why procrastination is a habit that the Christian should avoid.

Principle 1: Procrastination can Lead to Spiritual Slothfulness.

Romans 12:11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Throughout church history, the seven deadly sins have been a way of classifying the vices that will harm the believer's spiritual life. The sin of sloth is listed alongside lust, greed, wrath, envy, pride, and gluttony.

The sin of sloth has four characteristics: (1) neglect, (2) reluctance to act, (3) half-hearted effort, and (4) becoming quickly discouraged by any possible difficulty.

In the Parable of the Talents, the servant who hid their talents was called “a wicked, lazy servant! “ (Matthew 25:14–30). They experienced spiritual destruction because they procrastinated using what the Master had given them.

Principle 2: Procrastination Foolishly Presumes that we will be Granted Tomorrow.

Ephesians 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Scripture is filled with examples of people who procrastinated the moment of grace God gave them, supposing they could respond later.

• King Saul (1 Samuel 15:22).

• Sampson (Judges 16).

• The Prophet Jonah (Jonah 1:3).

• Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17–27).

• King Aggripa (Acts 26:28).

These are a few stories where procrastination to obey God resulted in future ruin. While some received grace and an opportunity to repent, others were not. The truth is that God is under no obligation to grace us with a tomorrow. Therefore, wasting God's grace given to us today is foolish because we cannot guarantee tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1).

In the Parable of the Rich Fool, Jesus warns against presuming that we can take care of spiritual matters at a later time (Luke 13:20). Procrastination is not limited to lazy people. A person can be very busy with many activities yet procrastinate on spiritual matters (James 4:14).

Principle 3: Procrastination Provides a Bad Witness of Christ. 

2 Thessalonians 3:11–12 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

As representatives of Christ, Christians have been called to live as kingdom ambassadors in this world (2 Corinthians 5:20). The implication of this reality is that most non-believers' perspective of Christ comes from observing how Christians live. When the non-Christian views the Christian constantly procrastinating the practice of a Christ-like lifestyle, the witness of the Christian becomes greatly hindered.

The non-Christian watches the life of the Christian. Knowing that His followers would be under the microscope, Jesus encouraged His disciples to be like salt and light in the world through their godly lifestyle (Matthew 5:16).

Principle 4: Procrastination Wastes God-given Gifts.

I Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 

Every follower of Christ has been given spiritual gifts designed to serve others and build up the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:12). To procrastinate the operation of spiritual gifts is to steal from yourself and your fellow Christian. It robs you of the blessing of being used by God and also robs the body of Christ from benefiting from your giftings.

When it’s all boiled down, procrastination is the voluntary choice not to use that which God has given you. At its core, procrastination is an attempt to control your gifts or only to use them on your terms. In the end, procrastinating operating in your God-giving gifts insults the Giver.

The adversary of our souls entices people to procrastinate by blinding them to the true costs associated with delay (2 Corinthians 4:4). However, if the Spirit has awakened you to you’re procrastinating, it’s crucial to remove anything that might hinder your immediate obedience (James 1:22–25).

Sometimes, we procrastinate doing what God has asked us to do because we are overwhelmed by the magnitude of whatever the Lord asks us to do. However, all God asks us to do is take the small step of faith in obedience. God is responsible for the results; we are responsible for our yes!

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About the Author

Dr. Laurito (DMin. Southwestern Assembly of God University) serves both the church and the academy as a pastor and an adjunct professor. Whether through books, sermons, podcasts, blogs, or biblical resources, Dr. Laurito is committed to equipping this generation to fulfill their Spirit-inspired destiny.

Why Was Jesus Born of a Virgin?

Scripture makes many incredible claims about Jesus of Nazareth. However, one stands at the center of them all. Scripture asserts that the birth of Jesus was supernatural and unique from the normal process of procreation. The Bible states that Jesus’ existence occurred by a virgin through the Holy Spirit. A radical claim!

Discover four principles for why the miraculous conception of Jesus is so essential to the Christian faith.

Principle 1: The Virgin Conception is the only way Jesus can be 100% God and 100% Man.

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

The virgin conception is the only process by which God could have entered our world as an actual human. If the divine is genuinely going to take on human flesh, it will require that a human being is involved in the process. In theological terms, this is called the Incarnation. This Latin word meaning “the act of being made flesh” comes from the Latin translation of John 1:14.

The virgin conception was the merciful and voluntary act of the Son of God to possess a human body. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, heaven and earth were united in Mary's womb to create Emmanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:20–23).

Principle 2: The Virgin Conception ensures Jesus’ preexistent Divine Sonship.

Hebrews 1:2  And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe.

In short, the eternal Sonship states that the second Person of the triune Godhead has eternally existed as the Son. This means there was never a time when Jesus was not the Son of God, and there has always been a Father/Son relationship within the Godhead (Galatians 4:4).

If Jesus was not born of a virgin by the Holy Spirit, then two important questions must be asked,

1. How did Jesus become God?

2. When did Jesus become God?

If Jesus were not born of a virgin by the Holy Spirit, then His beginning could not have been a divine origin. However, just as the Holy Spirit did not become the Spirit at Pentecost, neither did the Son become the Son at the moment of Jesus’ incarnation (Colossians 1:15).

The virgin conception ensures that the Son could both eternally exist and come into existence in the womb of Mary as the only begotten of the Father (John 1:14).

Principle 3: Virgin Conception is Vital to the Christian Faith.

Matthew 1:18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.

At a basic fundamental level, the virgin conception of Jesus is related to all other doctrinal beliefs about Jesus. If you deny the virgin conception of Jesus, then you also must reject:

• The Truthfulness of the Word of God: Scripture plainly teaches that Jesus was born of a virgin.

• The Deity of Jesus: Explaining how Jesus became God without the virgin birth causes one to fall into heresy.

• The Means of Salvation: If Jesus were not born of a virgin by the Holy Spirit, He could not possess a sinless nature, which means His death would not provide a means of salvation.

• The Validity of the Resurrection: If Jesus' beginning did not occur by divine origin, it is logical to also doubt His resurrection.

Principle 4: Virgin Conception is Validates God’s Promises.

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name bImmanuel.

We find in Scripture that the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ is the first of many miracles that characterize the one declared to be the Son of God (Matthew 3:17).

If Jesus were the unique Son of God, one would expect an extraordinary beginning. Scripture describes the earthly life of Jesus began with a miracle (virgin conception), marked by miraculous signs (healings, raising the dead, walking on water, etc.), and to be completed with the miraculous (resurrection from the dead).

All of which validated the prophet Isaiah's claim that God would come to be with us through a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). 

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About the Author

Dr. Laurito (DMin. Southwestern Assembly of God University) serves both the church and the academy as a pastor and an adjunct professor. Whether through books, sermons, podcasts, blogs, or biblical resources, Dr. Laurito is committed to equipping this generation to fulfill their Spirit-inspired destiny.

Is Mental Illness a Spiritual Problem?

Mental illness covers a broad range of disorders, from mild depression to schizophrenia. However, a basic definition of mental illness is a condition that impairs a person’s ability to think, feel, process, and respond to life situations in the usual ways. From the beginning, it must be recognized that this issue is very serious and sensitive.

Mental health and problems around mental illness have become one of the leading crises in our society today. Deaths associated with alcohol, drugs, and suicide jumped 20 percent in 2020. While the impact of COVID-19 undoubtedly played a role in this rise, the trend over the last 20 years has been an increase in mental health crises leading to suicide. All this to say, it’s clear we are facing a serious mental health crisis.

Sadly, my observation has been that this is a problem that the American church has not done a great job of addressing. Common reactions to mental health include:

• Ignore it out of ignorance of the depth of the problem.

• Sweep it under the rug out of fear to maintain the status quo.

• Incorrectly assume that the answer to all mental illness is for people to simply “pray through.”

But the issues surrounding mental illness are far too severe for Christians to fail to learn how to address the topic adequately. Here are four principles that can guide the Christian toward a biblical approach to mental health issues.

Principle 1: We are spiritual/physical creatures, and this reality must impact the way we think about mental health issues.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Because we are spiritual/physical beings, these two parts intersect in ways that result in a duality of cause/effect. In other words, the spiritual part of who we are will impact our physical life, and the physical aspect of our life will impact our spiritual life.

A biblical view of the nature of humanity should prepare us to accept that every spiritual problem has a physical component and vice versa. Therefore, to diagnose mental illness as 100% a spiritual problem and 0% a physical problem is wrong. Likewise, to suggest that a mental crisis is 100% a physical problem and 0% a spiritual issue is also incorrect.

Mental illness certainly can be aided by spiritual activity, but to assume that spiritual activity is the answer to all physical problems is an error.

Principle 2: The Physical Brain is an Organ.

God created humanity as beings whose “form” is finite and made from temporal matter.

Genesis 2:7 Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.

This means that from a purely physical perspective, the brain is merely an organ. Like other bodily organs such as the heart, the liver, or the lungs, the brain has physical limitations and can get sick or be damaged. Most Christians have no problem going to a great cardiologist if they suffer from heart disease. Similarly, nothing should prevent a Christian from seeking a psychiatrist or psychologist to deal with mental health issues.

This is not to suggest that we throw our spiritual life out the window and say, “Well, I guess there is no value in praying!” Of course not. People with heart problems need prayer because they are spiritual beings and need soul care, but they also need a heart specialist.

Our brains are physical organs like lungs and kidneys and are subject to illness and damage just as other organs are, and this damage may not be the result of spiritual problems. Some factors are physical, such as brain abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, and neurotransmitter impairments. Things like nutrition, exercise, and sleep affect mental health, and proper medication and competent therapy can help alleviate some issues. Other mental illnesses can occur due to traumatic events or abuse in childhood. The treatment for mental health issues is not one-size-fits-all because the causes of mental health crises are not all the same.

Principle 3: Ungodly Thinking Will Negatively impact our Mental Health.

Romans 8:5–6 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.. 

While brain abnormalities directly cause some mental illnesses–because of the duality (spiritual/physical) of our human existence–some mental problems can stem from spiritual issues that manifest themselves in physical ways.

Unforgiveness (2 Corinthians 2:10–11), bitterness (Hebrews 12:15), fear and anxiety (Philippians 4:6–7), and all manner of sinful appetites can all damage our thinking (Galatians 5:7–9). When ungodly perspectives control our thinking, we cannot think clearly. We see every life event through a distorted filter.

Principle 4: Mental Illness IS NOT the same as Demon Possession.

1 Kings 19:4 Elijah walked a whole day into the wilderness. He stopped and sat down in the shade of a tree and wished he would die. "It's too much, LORD," he prayed. "Take away my life; I might as well be dead!"

Since the fall of man, humans have struggled with mental ailments. Scripture provides many examples of those who exhibited symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Biblical characters such as Elijah, Jonah, Job, David, and the apostle Peter are shown to face what we would call today a mental health crisis.

Here are five fundamental distinctions between mental illness and demonic possession:

 1. Attraction to vs. Aversion to Jesus. Demons want nothing to do with Christ. Meanwhile, individuals with mental illness can be devoutly religious.

2. Irrational Speech vs. Rational Speech. The New Testament narratives involving demons reveal that the demons spoke rationally. Untreated people with schizophrenia speak nonsense and jump rapidly between unrelated topics. 

3. Ordinary Learning vs. Supernatural Knowledge. Demonic possession in the New Testament presents the demon as being able to speak through people to convey knowledge that the possessed person could not have known (Matthew 8:29; Luke 4:34). Those with mental illness cannot know facts they have not acquired by ordinary learning. 

4. Normal vs. Occultic Phenomena. Demonically possessed people can influence others with their powers (Acts 19:11–20). However, with mental illness such as schizophrenia, the effect of the disorder is only on the disordered, not others.

5. The claim to be possessed. The New Testament accounts of demon possession reveal that the demon tries to hide until Jesus confronts them. Those who claim to be possessed are likely not possessed because demons wish to remain hidden.

Principle 5: Be Humble and Patience with those Struggling with Mental Health Issues.

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

When we see someone struggling with mental health issues, there is a natural tendency to want to help. However, not every intention of "help" actually helps. Don't be hasty in offering quick one-liners or "encouragement" that sounds more like; just get over it.

If someone had a heart attack, you would never presume you had the expertise to help remedy their condition. Why are we quick to assume our "expertise" in helping people with mental illness?

Instead, love the person struggling with mental health issues well by remaining close to them in their crisis. Love is the defining characteristic of the church. Therefore, we must ensure that people do not feel alone or isolated but can worship together in a faith community even when struggling with mental health issues. Ensure that they do not feel alone or isolated.

Finally, be patient. Mental illness is a long-term game, and there can sometimes be a long and bumpy road ahead for the person experiencing mental health challenges. Therefore, be prepared to offer soul care through the thick and thin of their journey.

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About the Author

Dr. Laurito (DMin. Southwestern Assembly of God University) serves both the church and the academy as a pastor and an adjunct professor. Whether through books, sermons, podcasts, blogs, or biblical resources, Dr. Laurito is committed to equipping this generation to fulfill their Spirit-inspired destiny.

Why Would God Discipline Me?

Many Christians don't want to think about the subject of God's discipline. But Scripture outlines some essential principles for why God disciplines His children. Understanding these principles can be transformative in our thinking about the nature of our relationship with God.

The Christian Has a Fundamentally Different Relationship with God than the Unbeliever.

Scripture portrays the people of God as having a special “status” or relationship with God that is very different from those who are not followers of God. The unbeliever is described as living under God’s holy wrath. Therefore, the status of their relationship with God is fundamentally the posture of guilt under the judgment of God’s righteous anger (Psalms 7:11; Romans 1:18; 2:5; 2 Peter 2:9).

In contrast, the person who has put their faith in Christ has a fundamentally different status and relationship with God. Because of Christ, the believer's relationship is characterized by grace, mercy, and loving compassion. One common illustration used in Scripture to help us comprehend the nature of our relationship with God is the Father/child relationship (Romans 8:15; 1 John 3:1).

Living as God’s children includes many privileges the unsaved do not have. Freedom from sin and living under God’s grace brings peace and joy. However, living under God’s grace doesn’t mean we are FREE to live any way we want (Romans 6:1). As imperfect people trusting in God's grace, we have been called to walk by faith with God. This journey of faith is a process of growing in spiritual maturity as we are increasingly conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29; 12:1). Because the nature of our relationship with God requires a path of spiritual growth, discipline starts at the moment of conversion and continues throughout our life in the Spirit.

Principle 1: God Disciplines Because He Loves Us.

Proverbs 3:11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord. Or loathe His reproof, for whom the Lord loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

Fundamentally, discipline is an expression of love. The righteous earthly father disciplines their child because they lovingly desire that they would grow in their maturity. The very presences of proper discipline is a display of compassionate love. Therefore, the child of God should not be discouraged when God’s discipline comes. Instead, a healthy perspective on God's discipline is to view it as a compassionate act of God's love toward you.

Principle 2: God Disciplines Because He is Good.

The writer of Hebrews make the comparison between a human father’s discipline of a son and God’s discipline of us.

Hebrews 12:10 For earthly father’s disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.

Of course, we understand that human fathers are imperfect, and consequently, they discipline imperfectly. Even when their intentions are right, human parents sometimes discipline when they shouldn’t, fail to discipline when they should, or discipline in the wrong way.

In contrast, everything God does is good and perfect (James 1:17). Therefore, God’s discipline is good because He is good. This means that any discipline we experience from loving God is because He is doing what is good for us. In fact, an evil person will not correct their child's errors or confront their mistakes. If God were to ignore our errors without providing correction, He would fail to be good to us.

Principle 3: God Disciplines bring Spiritual Formation.

Titus 2:11–14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

One of the critical purposes of God’s discipline is to rid us of everything that doesn’t reflect His glory. He disciplines us so that we might learn how to live godly lessons that develop our spiritual character (James 1:2-4). In simple terms, discipline is training.

When an individual or church needs transformation from their current state, God will often allow a period of discipline with the intent that they will repent and correct their behavior. God's ultimate purpose for training us through discipline is heart renovation. God disciplines us because He wants us to be holy and righteous like His son, Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Principle 4: God Disciplines through Scripture & Spiritual Authority.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness;

One of the fundamental purposes of Scripture is to serve as a tool of spiritual discipline. Looking into the mirror of God’s word is intended to reflect our spiritual condition accurately (James 1:23–24), and when that condition does not line up with Scripture, it’s designed to cut away what is wrong (Hebrews 4:12).

Many modern Christians think that the primary purpose of Scripture is to be a motivational book that provides spiritual one-liners designed to encourage their spiritual life. While the Bible certainly encourages us, it’s designed to do much more than uplift us. Scripture is designed to discipline us towards righteous living.

Much of the New Testament letters are the Apostles (Paul, Peter, James) exhibiting their spiritual authority by writing to churches and disciplining them on matters where they had strayed. God has placed spiritual authority in our lives to provide disciple when needed. The Christian who doesn’t have any spiritual authority that can administer spiritual discipline to them has dramatically hindered their ability to be spiritually healthy and grow in mature Christian living.

Principle 5: Embracing a Lifestyle of Spiritual Disciplines prepares us to receive God’s Discipline.

Hebrews 12:11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Spiritual disciplines are this voluntary subjection into the path of training towards godliness. Embracing a lifestyle that voluntarily chooses the path toward spiritual training enables Christians to accept God's discipline more easily. Having willingly subjected themselves to suffering and denying self, those who practice spiritual disciplines fully understand that they will not outgrow the need for God's discipline (Philippians 3:12–14).

The Christian who regularly practices spiritual disciplines has intentionally chosen the path of spiritual maturity. Therefore, when God's discipline occurs, it is not a "shock" to their spiritual life, but God is simply guiding them on the path they have already determined to pursue.

Listen to the Podcast

About the Author

Dr. Laurito (DMin. Southwestern Assembly of God University) serves both the church and the academy as a pastor and an adjunct professor. Whether through books, sermons, podcasts, blogs, or biblical resources, Dr. Laurito is committed to equipping this generation to fulfill their Spirit-inspired destiny.