28 days of discipline

If you've not done so already, get involved in a Mutual Mentoring relationship with someone who has the doctrinal spiritual style.

The Mutual Mentoring guide is contained in Part 2 of the workbook How to Embrace The 3 Colors of Your Spirituality in Your World, or can be downloaded freely from the web site (click the link below and then go to "Mutual Mentoring").

Write a statement about a belief that you hold to very strongly. Consider your choice very carefully and test your conviction by starting the statement with "I would be willing to die for my belief that..."

If repeating this exercise, write about a different belief this week.

-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org

The Apostles' Creed below is one of the earliest statements of Christian belief. Reflect on the creed and ask yourself which parts you hold to very strongly and about which parts you are not so sure. As you will reflect on this each week through your 28 days of doctrinal discipline, start memorising it, and when you feel ready, recite it to a friend.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

If you have any negative feelings toward the doctrinal style or toward people who have that style, right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God's forgiveness and for him to renew your mind. Ask God to help you separate the perils from the strengths of that style so that you might one day fully embrace the strengths.

Or...

Consider a problem or challenge facing you, your family, friends, or your work team today.

Write a list of the "facts beyond reasonable doubt" surrounding that issue. These need only be short statements that indicate what you believe to be true based upon the evidence and details. Ask whatever questions seem appropriate in order to identify all available clues.

If you've not done so already, get involved in a Mutual Mentoring relationship with someone who has the rational spiritual style.

The Mutual Mentoring guide is contained in Part 2 of the workbook How to Embrace The 3 Colors of Your Spirituality in Your World, or can be downloaded freely from the web site (click the link below and then go to "Mutual Mentoring").

In any discussion that reflects different opinions today, present your perspective, but also change positions to present what you agree with or see as positive about any of the other opinions expressed.

As required, finish by expressing your considered opinion, belief or preference, but only after fully embracing what you can from the other people's perspectives.

What would it require for you personally to obey Jesus' command to more fully "love the Lord with all your mind" (Mark 12:30).

Note down your thoughts.

-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org

If you have any negative feelings toward the rational style or toward people who have that style, right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God's forgiveness and for him to renew your mind. Ask God to help you separate the perils from the strengths of that style so that you might one day fully embrace the strengths.

Or...

Visit the web site below and look for a topic that catches your attention. Regardless of the stated or possible beliefs of the person presenting the ideas, read, listen or watch their presentation and ask yourself the following three questions...

1. What can I learn about God or God's creation from this person?
2. How could or should this person's research shape my day-to-day spiritual life?

If you've not done so already, get involved in a Mutual Mentoring relationship with someone who has the sensory spiritual style.

The Mutual Mentoring guide is contained in Part 2 of the workbook How to Embrace The 3 Colors of Your Spirituality in Your World, or can be downloaded freely from the web site (click the link below and then go to "Mutual Mentoring").

Make a list of 10 encounters, objects, discussions or experiences you come across today that reflect God's love for you or the world - love shown directly by God or via another person. Simply be sensitive to your surroundings and see what comes your way. You don't need to write all of the details down, just note down a few words that will remind you of each experience.

What do you believe Jesus saw, heard, physically or emotionally felt, smelt, and tasted in the following encounter?

"While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

If you have any negative feelings toward the sensory style or toward people who have that style, right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God's forgiveness and for him to renew your mind. Ask God to help you separate the perils from the strengths of that style so that you might one day fully embrace the strengths.

Or...

Draw a quick picture, write a short poem or use any other kind of artistic expression to depict your thoughts or feelings about life today (don't worry about trying to create something perfect).

Now, imagine God looking at you through what you have expressed and what he might say to you at that moment.

-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org

Memorise the Motto, Focus, and key Scripture for the sacramental style

Motto: expressing the incarnation of God

Focus: liturgy & symbolism

Key Scripture: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (John 1:14)

Share them with a friend.

-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org

Right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God, in your own words, for a greater appreciation of liturgy & symbolism in your relationship with him. Say honestly how you feel about the sacramental style.

Be sure to leave yourself a moment when you've finished to see if God brings anything to your mind about the topic.

Note down anything you sense during this time.

Memorise the Motto, Focus, and key Scripture for the mystical style

Motto: resting in the presence of God

Focus: mystery & devotion

Key Scripture: We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. (Romans 8:26)

Share them with a friend.

-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org

Right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God, in your own words, for a greater appreciation of mystery & devotion in your relationship with him. Say honestly how you feel about the mystical style.

Be sure to leave yourself a moment when you've finished to see if God brings anything to your mind about the topic.

Note down anything you sense during this time.

Memorise the Motto, Focus, and key Scripture for the enthusiastic style

Motto: celebrating the power of God

Focus: power & excitement

Key Scripture: For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. (1 Corinthians 4:20)

Share them with a friend.

-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org

Right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God, in your own words, for a greater appreciation of power & excitement in your relationship with him. Say honestly how you feel about the enthusiastic style.

Be sure to leave yourself a moment when you've finished to see if God brings anything to your mind about the topic.

Note down anything you sense during this time.

Memorise the Motto, Focus, and key Scripture for the ascetic style

Motto: developing discipline for God

Focus: sacrifice & inner values

Key Scripture: I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:27)

Share with a friend.

-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org

Right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God, in your own words, for a greater appreciation of sacrifice & inner values in your relationship with him. Say honestly how you feel about the ascetic style.

Be sure to leave yourself a moment when you've finished to see if God brings anything to your mind about the topic.

Note down anything you sense during this time.

Memorise the Motto, Focus, and key Scripture for the sharing style

Motto: passing on the grace of God

Focus: evangelism & service

Key Scripture: We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Share them with a friend.

Right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God, in your own words, for a greater appreciation of evangelism & service in your relationship with him. Say honestly how you feel about the sharing style.

Be sure to leave yourself a moment when you've finished to see if God brings anything to your mind about the topic.

Note down anything you sense during this time.

Memorise the Motto, Focus, and key Scripture for the Scripture-driven style

Motto: applying the Word of God

Focus: Bible study & discipleship

Key Scripture: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom. (Colossians 3:16)

Share them with a friend.

-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org

Right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God, in your own words, for a greater appreciation of Bible study & discipleship in your relationship with him. Say honestly how you feel about the Scripture-driven style.

Be sure to leave yourself a moment when you've finished to see if God brings anything to your mind about the topic.

Note down anything you sense during this time.

Memorise the Motto, Focus, and key Scripture for the doctrinal style
Motto: thinking correctly about God
Focus: truth & doctrine
Key Scripture: See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (Colossians 2:8)

Share them with a friend.

Right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God, in your own words, for a greater appreciation of truth and doctrine in your relationship with him. Say honestly how you feel about the doctrinal style.

Be sure to leave yourself a moment when you've finished to see if God brings anything to your mind about the topic.

Note down anything you sense during this time.

Memorise the Motto, Focus, and key Scripture for the rational style
Motto: understanding the nature of God
Focus: logic & science
Key Scripture: By wisdom the Lord laid the earth's foundation, by understanding he set the heavens in place. (Proverbs 3:19)

Share them with a friend.

-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org