Trials vs Temptations · What Trips You Up · Measuring Spiritual Progress
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To submit a question for James, Richella, and Nate to consider discussing on Friends in Formation, email [email protected].
In this month’s episode of Friends in Formation, Richella, Nate, and James answer listener questions about Dallas Willard’s version of The Lord’s Prayer, what things get the goat of our hosts, and how to measure progress in one’s spiritual formation.
Show Notes
Three listener questions—
- I’ve been working on praying without ceasing using Dallas Willard’s version of The Lord’s Prayer. I like his modern translation very much. But when I got to the part that reads “please don’t put us through trials” it made me pause. Because the Bible says that ordinary trials, while difficult, build endurance, strengthen us, help us to build character and to grow in faith. Ordinary trials are part of Dallas’ golden triangle of spiritual formation. So why do you think Dallas chose the word “trials” instead of “temptations” in his version of the prayer?
- You all sound peaceful, reflective, open, yet humble on Friends in Formation! But could you share what repeatedly “gets your goat” or trips you up? How do you turn to the Lord each time, how do you think you’re being formed through those moments and do you (or should you) see any “end” to that particular niggle.
- Is it possible to “measure” or “assess” progress in Christian formation either in oneself or in others (if we have some pastoral oversight of them)?
Resources
The Divine Conspiracy, by Dallas Willard
Mirror for the Soul: A Christian Guide to the Enneagram, by Alice Fryling
The Spiritual Formation Workbook, by James Bryan Smith and Lynda Graybeal
Streams of Living Water, by Richard Foster
Renewing the Christian Mind, by Dallas Willard and Gary Black, Jr.
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Nathan Foster
Nathan Foster is an author and host of Life With God, a Renovaré Podcast. Formerly, he was an Associate Professor of social work and served as the Andrews Chair in Spiritual Formation at Spring Arbor University. He was also a licensed clinical social worker and certified addictions counselor. Nathan has published two books, including The Making of an Ordinary Saint: My Journey from Frustration to Joy with the Spiritual Disciplines.
James Catford
James Catford has spent his career at the intersection of publishing, leadership, and spiritual formation, working with many authors closely connected to Renovaré. He led the British Bible Society for fourteen years, founded the think tank Theos, and later chaired SPCK, the UK’s largest Christian publisher. He now serves as founding chair of the Center for Christianity and Public Life in Washington, D.C., and on the board of the Martin Institute and Dallas Willard Research Center at Westmont College. He is married to Sue, a former TV anchor and media executive.
Richella Parham
Richella is Chair of the Renovaré Board of Trustees. With a background in small business, education, and church leadership, Richella is a speaker and the author of Mythical Me (IVP) and A Spiritual Formation Primer. She is the mother of three young adult sons and lives with her husband Jack in Durham, North Carolina. Read her full bio and connect with Richella at richellajparham.com.