In the words of Dallas Willard, ​“Spiritual formation is the process by which the human spirit [which is to say our personality, character, and will] is given a definite form or character … and it happens to everyone.”

Everything we experience shapes our spirits — family, job, movies, music, health, environment, and more. Everything. Becoming more aware of your own spiritual formation allows you to become more intentional about what — and especially who — you let shape you.

Christian spiritual formation is what happens when you intentionally center your life in Christ. There are classical spiritual practices — like worship, prayer, study, solitude, silence, and celebration. And there are countless informal spiritual practices — like taking a walk, or drinking your coffee with an awareness of God’s presence. The power of these practices is that they help you spend time with Jesus and open yourself up to the shaping and healing work of his Spirit.

One of the most common ways we think about spiritual formation centered in Jesus is by using the language of ​“discipleship,” which, of course, is the language Jesus himself used. 

When Jesus was on earth, his disciples responded to his invitation to follow him by abandoning their previous plans and centering their lives on him. They were listening, observing, and imitating — living with him so that they could learn to be like him. Today, we are also invited to reorder our lives to make being with Jesus the most important thing.

Another way to explore spiritual formation centered in Jesus is to use the model of ​“apprenticeship.” Apprentices in any craft or trade must pay very close attention to the one they wish to follow. They need practical training, and lots of it!

Beneath both the discipleship model and the apprenticeship model is something even more vital — an invitation to friendship with Jesus. 

To become intentional about our spiritual formation is to take Jesus’ invitations to discipleship, apprenticeship, and — most of all — friendship seriously. We systematically and progressively rearrange the rhythms of our lives in order to say ​“yes” to those invitations.

You should practice the ones you need. You will likely need some disciplines and rhythms that help you simply enjoy God’s presence, and other practices that help you cooperate with the Spirit in the healing and growth of specific aspects of your character. Christ is with you as your ever-present Teacher, and he will guide you into the ways that will be most helpful. One of the ways he might speak to you may be through a wise friend or two who know you well. 

Remember that God’s work is deep and slow. Jesus promises his yoke is easy and light. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake or two. If you have a teachable heart, you will learn even from your mistakes… especially from your mistakes.