Can the spiritual disciplines be misused? - Spiritual Disciplines - TouchPoints

Matthew 6:7“When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again.”

We are misusing spiritual disciplines when we think we can use them to get leverage on God or manipulate God into blessing us. The thoughtless repetition of spiritual habits and practices will fail to strengthen our relationship with God.

Matthew 6:16“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.”

We are misusing spiritual disciplines if we use them as external displays of spirituality to gain praise from others.

Isaiah 58:3-4“‘We have fasted before you!’ they say. ‘Why aren’t you impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don’t even notice it!’ I will tell you why!” I respond. “It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers. What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me.”

Luke 11:42“What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.”

We are misusing spiritual disciplines when we make them a goal in themselves instead of recognizing them a means for growing closer to God and in the process becoming more loving, kind, and unselfish.