The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard

This summer, I aim to blog for at least 15 minutes per day on a particular reading or news event, as a way to push the limits of my imagination and understanding of God, the world, and my self.

"Multitudes are now turning to Christ in all parts of the world. How unbearably tragic it would be, though, if the millions of Asia, South America, and Africa were led to believe that the best we can hope for from The Way of Christ is the level of Christianity visible in Europe and America today...this is an age for spiritual heroes--a time for men and women to be heroic in faith and in spiritual character and power. The greatest danger for the Christian church today is that of pitching its message too low" (Willard, xii).

"A successful performance at a moment of crisis rests largely and essentially upon the depths of a self wisely and rigorously prepared in the totality of its being -- mind and body...The secret of the easy yoke is simple, actually. It is the intelligent, informed, unyielding resolve to live as Jesus lived in all aspects of his life, not just in the moment of specific choice or action"(Willard, 4, 10).

I picked this book off J's bookshelf. Immediately, I knew that the contents would meet me where I am. So where am I exactly? In the desert. I have been wandering around the desert for some time now, with glimpses of oases on the horizon, yet they never seem to quench my thirst. I long to walk in lush gardens, replete with morning dew and goodness.

Yet as Willard points out, the secret to having a heroic faith and spiritual character is rather simple. To fight the good fight and to build strength of character, one must resolve to live in a manner that allows Christ to permeate all aspects of life. Spiritual heroes are not born out of Sunday to Sunday sermons, but rather, they are born out of the secret, daily meetings with the Author of the Universe.