The Ancient Way: Practicing Means of Grace

The Means of Grace: Training in the Easy Yoke

Jesus presents us with an intriguing paradox that challenges our understanding of faith and discipleship. He invites us to take on his yoke, promising that we will find rest for our souls. This assurance is beautifully captured in Matthew 11:29-30, where he asserts, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” However, this gentle invitation is juxtaposed with a more demanding call to discipleship, where he emphasizes the cost involved. In Mark 8:35, he states that whoever loses his life for his sake and the gospel will ultimately save it, and in Luke 14:26, he warns that anyone who does not hate their father, mother, and even their own life cannot be his disciple. This raises a pivotal question: Is the yoke of Christ easy, or does it come at a significant cost? The answer, as paradoxical as it may seem, is yes—both are true.

Why We Struggle with Spiritual Disciplines

Our struggles with spiritual disciplines do not stem from their inherent nature being harsh or demanding; rather, they arise from a fundamental reshaping of our view of reality. The Enlightenment of the 17th and 18th centuries marked a significant philosophical shift that prioritized reason above all else, relegating faith to an inferior position. In this era, reason became the sole arbiter of truth, diminishing the role of faith in understanding the world around us. Notable philosopher David Hume, as quoted in Dallas Willard’s influential work, The Spirit of the Disciplines, posited that “Reason is, and ought only to be, the slave of the passions.” Modern Western culture views spiritual disciplines as irrational and unnecessary. We have elevated reason and use it to feed our passions. This philosophical perspective fostered a form of deism, which presented a distant God, uninvolved in the daily lives of individuals, and encouraged a cultural pursuit of knowledge, freedom, and happiness as ultimate goals. Combine this insightful perspective with two historically distinct approaches to disciplines: Catholics often misused the means of grace, reducing them to transactional rituals, while Protestants frequently rejected spiritual disciplines altogether, fearing they suggested earning God’s favor. The outcome is a philosophical and historical misunderstanding of spiritual disciplines.

Ascesis Revisited

In contrast to these misunderstandings, Dallas Willard emphasizes a crucial point: spiritual disciplines, when practiced correctly, are not about earning God’s approval; rather, they are about training ourselves in the ways of spirituality. He invites us to view these practices as opportunities for growth and transformation rather than as obligations that must be fulfilled to win divine favor. The essence of spiritual training lies in its potential to reshape our hearts and minds, guiding us toward a deeper relationship with God. By reframing our understanding of these disciplines, we can embrace them as vital elements in our spiritual journey, enabling us to cultivate a more profound sense of grace and connection with the divine.

“Train yourself to be godly. For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value for all things…” —1 Timothy 4:7–8. The concept of ascesis goes beyond mere self-improvement; it embodies a deep love for the beauty of God’s image within humanity, which is restored through grace. This process of training is far from passive; it requires intentionality and commitment. Ascesis involves actively engaging with God, fostering a relationship that transforms us from the inside out. It is not about performing specific rituals to earn favor; instead, it emphasizes a dynamic interaction with the living God, who desires a personal connection with each of us.

The Three Contexts of Grace

John Wesley provided a comprehensive framework for understanding how we receive and respond to grace through spiritual disciplines. He outlined three distinct contexts in which grace operates, each serving as a vital component in our spiritual development. The first context is the liturgical, which encompasses corporate worship and sacraments, allowing individuals to encounter God through communal rhythms of praise. The second context is communal, which involves small groups and spiritual friendships, where believers share grace and mutual encouragement. The third context is devotional, focused on private practices such as prayer, Scripture reading, and fasting, where individuals meet God in solitude and sacred stillness. Each of these contexts serves as a doorway, and each discipline acts as a practice, offering us various opportunities to be reshaped and transformed in our walk with God.

A Holistic Invitation

Therefore, let us return to a perspective that emphasizes grace practiced rightly, steering clear of both ritualism and the notion of earning merit. Let us commit ourselves to training—not for the sake of performance, but for genuine transformation in our lives. This journey requires us to receive grace actively, engaging with it rather than adopting a passive stance. Visualize your life as a sacred gymnasium, a space where your soul can be sculpted through worship, community, and devotion. Allow the image of God within you to be restored beautifully, intentionally, and above all, through grace.