In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding balance can be challenging, especially for Christians striving to live according to their faith. One ancient spiritual practice that offers a structured approach to intentional living is the Rule of Life. Historically rooted in monastic traditions, the Rule of Life has profound relevance for contemporary Christian living, guiding believers in their spiritual journey, time management, and decision-making.

Defining the Rule of Life

What It Is

A Rule of Life is a set of personal guidelines that help you align your daily activities with your core values and faith commitments. It serves as a framework for nurturing your relationship with God, others, and yourself, while promoting spiritual growth and well-being.

What It Isn’t

The Rule of Life is not a rigid, legalistic set of rules to follow blindly. Nor is it a one-size-fits-all program. Instead, it’s a flexible, living document that evolves with your spiritual journey, providing structure without stifling your freedom in Christ.

Benefits of Crafting a Personal Rule of Life

Spiritual Growth

By intentionally setting aside time for prayer, scripture reading, and other spiritual disciplines, you create space for God to work in your life. Ruth Haley Barton eloquently puts it: “A rule of life seeks to interplay between these two questions: How do I want to live so I can be who I want to be?”

Time Management

A Rule of Life helps you prioritize what truly matters, making it easier to manage your time effectively. It provides clarity and focus, reducing the overwhelm that often comes with juggling multiple responsibilities.

Decision-Making

With a clear understanding of your values and priorities, making decisions becomes more straightforward. You can evaluate choices based on whether they align with your Rule of Life, leading to more consistent and intentional living.

The Process of Creating a Rule of Life

Self-Assessment

Begin by reflecting on your current lifestyle, identifying areas that need improvement or realignment with your faith. Ask yourself questions like: What activities draw me closer to God? What habits hinder my spiritual growth?

Identifying Core Values

Determine the values that are central to your faith and life. These might include love, humility, service, and community. Write them down as a reference point for shaping your Rule of Life.

Setting Priorities

Based on your core values, establish priorities for different areas of your life, such as spiritual practices, relationships, work, and rest. Ensure that these priorities reflect your commitment to living in alignment with God’s will.

Practical Application

Translate your values and priorities into specific, actionable commitments. For instance, commit to daily prayer, weekly Sabbath rest, regular community involvement, and professional integrity. Remember that your Rule of Life should be realistic and achievable.

An Example of a Rule of Life

Daily Rhythms

• Morning Prayer and Devotion: Spend 30 minutes in prayer and Scripture reading each morning.
• Gratitude Journal: Write down three things you are grateful for each day.
• Exercise: Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity.
• Evening Reflection: Take 10 minutes before bed to reflect on the day and seek forgiveness for any shortcomings.

Weekly Rhythms

• Sabbath Rest: Dedicate one day each week to rest, worship, and family time, refraining from work and digital distractions.
• Small Group Fellowship: Participate in a weekly small group Bible study or fellowship gathering.
• Service or Volunteer Work: Commit to a weekly act of service or volunteer opportunity in your community or church.

Monthly Rhythms

• Extended Prayer and Reflection: Spend an extended time, perhaps a few hours, in prayer and reflection at the beginning of each month.
• Special Family Activity: Plan and participate in a family outing or special activity that fosters connection and joy.
• Financial Review: Assess your budget and donations, ensuring alignment with your values and responsibilities.

Quarterly Rhythms

• Personal Retreat: Take a short personal retreat or day of solitude to recalibrate and seek God’s guidance for the upcoming months.
• Book Reading Goal: Commit to reading one spiritually enriching book every quarter and reflecting on its insights.
• Skill Development: Engage in a workshop or class to develop a skill or hobby that aligns with your interests and talents.

Yearly Rhythms

• Annual Review: Spend time at the end of the year reviewing and updating your Rule of Life, reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the coming year.
• Family Vacation: Plan a family vacation to rest, reconnect, and create lasting memories.
• Spiritual Retreat: Participate in an annual spiritual retreat or conference to deepen your faith and build community with other believers.

Overcoming Challenges and Staying Committed

Consistency

Maintaining consistency can be challenging, especially when life gets busy. To stay committed, integrate your Rule of Life into your daily routine. Set reminders, use journals to track progress, and seek accountability from a trusted friend or spiritual mentor.

Flexibility

Your Rule of Life should be a living document, adaptable to changing circumstances. Periodically review and update it to ensure it remains relevant and supportive of your spiritual journey.

Encouragement

Remember that the Rule of Life is a tool for grace, not a measure of your worth. Be gentle with yourself when you fall short and celebrate small victories along the way. Reflect on Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Call to Action

Crafting a Rule of Life is a powerful step towards intentional Christian living. It provides a structured yet flexible framework for aligning your daily activities with your faith and values, fostering spiritual growth, effective time management, and wise decision-making.

I encourage you to consider crafting your own Rule of Life. Start with self-assessment, identify your core values, set clear priorities, and translate them into actionable commitments. Remember to stay consistent, flexible, and gentle with yourself throughout the process.