A core value at Coram Deo is to remove the false division between secular or sacred life. One way we try to do this is by encouraging everyone to establish an intentional set of spiritual practices. In church history, this idea is referred to as a Rule of Life. It is a set of intentional habits and practices for a season (Listen here for an introduction). These might be new practices you add, remove, or reframe with more intentionality. Either way, the goal is the same, to be with and become more like Jesus. It is the journey to be the good soil that bears good fruit. A Rule of Life safeguards this process by adding some structure to promote this growth. Keep reading to learn how to establish your own.

My Current Rule

The irony of forming a Rule of Life is that you already have one, you just might not know it. This chart gives examples of how everyday “rules” or habits form our beliefs. We may never say these beliefs out loud, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t true. This is a key paradigm shift for discipleship. It first acknowledges that everything we do is spiritual and forms us into a certain type of person. Second, it helps us realize that we “do” certain things because they grow us, not because they earn us spiritual merit. Read through the examples given in the table and reflect on these questions:

• Which habits-beliefs resonate?

• Write some of your own habits down?

• What beliefs might they be forming in you?