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Rule of Life is an intentional pattern of spiritual disciplines that provides structure and direction for growth

Rule of Life is an intentional pattern of spiritual disciplines that provides structure and 
direction for growth in holiness.  A Rule establishes a rhythm for life in which is helpful for 
being formed by the Spirit, a rhythm that reflects a love for God and respect for how he has made 
us.  The disciplines which we build into our rhythm of life help us to shed the “old self” and 
allow our “new self” in Christ to be formed.  Spiritual disciplines are means of grace by which 
God can nourish us.  Ultimately a Rule should help you to love God more, so if it becomes a 
legalistic way of earning points with God or impressing others, it should be scrapped.  If the 
traditional, ancient term “rule” concerns you because it sounds legalistic, think of “rule” as a 
“rhythm of life” or as a “Curriculum in Christlikeness” (Dallas Willard), or as a “Game Plan for 
Morphing” (John Ortberg). 
In order to be life-giving, a Rule must be realistic!   It is not an ideal toward which you are 
striving to soar.  Instead, your initial Rule should be a minimum standard for your life that you 
do not want to drop below.  It’s a realistic level of engaging in the spiritual disciplines for which 
you can honestly and truly be held accountable.
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