Reflections on Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun
Discipling:
What do you think the difference is between being a Christian and being a disciple?
There is a big difference between being a Christian and being a disciple. Being a Christian simply means putting your trust in Jesus. Being a disciple is an intentional pursuit in learning and being transformed into His likeness and image.
Talk to God about the desires and fears you have related to being dedicated disciple of Jesus.
As I think and pray about being a dedicated disciple of Jesus, I often struggle with my fleshly desires. I’ve had a lifelong habit of laziness and insecurity. Through these, I allow fears of man and my unworthiness to seep into my spirit. My desire is to serve Jesus with all of my heart and allow Him to transform me into His image, but through these doubts and fears, it usually is a daily struggle.
Discipline and disciple come from the same root. What sort of reaction do you have to the word discipline?
Discipline is a word I understand fairly well. I understand, as a father myself, that discipline is a needed act to remind ourselves of the correct ways of living. Discipline is also a word that describes the ability to do something. Self-discipline is the act of doing things without the need of an outside source for motivation.
Does being a disciplined apprentice of Jesus appeal to you? Why or why not?
Being a disciplines apprentice of Jesus is my heart’s desire. I desire to walk closely with Him and allow Him to transform me into who He wants me to be. I also desire to learn of Him, as well as, teach others His truths and love.
Who do you want to become? What do you want to be remembered for when you die?
When I sit and think of who I want to become, my only answer is whomever Jesus wants me to be. I do have fleshly desires to be a pastor of a church and to be recognized as one who hears the heart of God, but, if He wants me to support my local church as an assistant pastor and work full time as well, then so be it. I would like to be remembered as a man that allowed God to use me as He saw fit. I’d like to also be known for my instant and unfailing obedience.
How are you intentionally partnering with god to become who he intended you to be?
I am intentionally spending time seeking His face. As I seek His face, I also receive His blessing. I understand that in Him there is fullness. He has created all of us as human BEings, not human DOings.
Chastity:
Who have been your examples of healthy sexuality and relationships?
There is an older couple in church that have been married for years. They are currently in there 70’s and are still madly in love. They regularly touch hands and gaze at each other across the room. My wife and she are good friends and the older woman jokes and teases my wife with being retired and she and the husband are free to take an afternoon together in bed. They are still regularly active sexually and are a great role model for couples.
What have they taught you?
They have taught me that regardless of how long a couple are together, the romance and sexual energy is still available if you continue to woo your spouse.
How have unhealthy models for sexuality influenced or harmed you?
Unhealthy models for sexuality have influenced me in my younger days. Most of my extended family have been divorced with many situations of infidelity. This gave me a bad taste in my mouth regarding monogamous relationships and the ability to have a faithful relationship.
What impact do movies, magazines and easy access to pornography have on you?
I am very careful with all types of media. Through my teen years and into the early years of my marriage, pornography was something I struggled with. Thank the Lord that He has healed me from this. The journey through that addiction wasn’t easy and I know that I am a very visual person, as most men are.
How has your faith helped or not helped you face issues of your own sexuality?
My faith in God and the knowledge of His love and acceptance for me has helped me through my addiction. I haven’t ever struggled with my sexual identity, but my introduction to pornography was very early on in my life. It shaped my view of sex for many years until Jesus brought me out.
Read through Ps 139:1-18. What is David’s opinion of his body? What is God’s view of the body? What is your own view of your body? Talk to God frankly about how you feel about your body. Listen to what He wants to say to you.
David’s opinion of his body is one of awe. He knows that he was knitted together by God and that He created David. God’s view of the body is incredibly deep. He takes supreme care in making each one of us and rejoices in His creation. My view of my body is the same. God created me and my form. It may not be in the best of shape and I could do better in taking care of it, but I am His workmanship. As I spent time listening to God, I felt Him say that He is leased with me and I am exactly how He created me to be.
When you see a beautiful man or woman, thank God for him/her. Ask to see men and women through God’s eyes. Even if you don’t know who they are, pray that they will know God and will let their beauty serve Him. Lift them to the Father and thank Him for yourself as well.
Due to my past experiences with pornography and lust, I had a difficult time with this exercise. I do not intentionally look at women.
You are What You Love by James K. A. Smith
Chapter 5 Summary:
Chapter 5 was immensely informative. Throughout this chapter the author unpacked the importance of family and family life. He compared it to the church family and went so far to say that our nuclear family is secondary to the church family. The ending section regarding the dinner table was fantastic. The importance of spending time and eating a meal together is incredibly important.
I related with much of this chapter. I also believe that the church family is important. I also looked back to when my children were young and living with us and found we did a fairly good job in creating a liturgical setting in our home. Sitting around the table each evening for dinner was uncompromising. If we were home, we sat and ate together. This time became, and still is when they visit, incredibly bonding and are highlights to memories.
Discovering His Vision 
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