 Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney Book review by West Shore's Kim Winters "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" by Don Whitney is one of those books every Christian should read. Based on 1 Timothy 4:7 which says “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness,” this book serves as your guide to growing in your understanding and experience of the spiritual disciplines of Bible intake, prayer, worship, evangelism, serving, stewardship, fasting, silence, solitude, journaling and learning.
Whitney does an excellent job  balancing conviction and grace, while inspiring us to press on in our actual experience of each spiritual discipline he outlines. Each chapter makes it clear that these disciplines are not ends in themselves, but rather the ways (or paths) to a deeper walk with God that He Himself made possible through Jesus Christ. This “gospel” way of viewing the disciplines is not only refreshing—it’s life changing. Whitney urges readers to press on in their pursuit of godliness and explains how the spiritual disciplines are an essential element of that pursuit. "Godly people are disciplined people." Whitney says, "it has always been so." He further inspires us to take this topic seriously when he reminds us that Jesus Himself expects us to be disciplined. “The expectation of disciplined spirituality is implied in Jesus’ offer of Matthew 11:29: ‘Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.’ …To be a disciple of Jesus means, at the very least, to learn from and follow Him. Learning and following involve discipline” (page 18). Many people avoid books about the spiritual disciplines because they are afraid of losing what they perceive to be their “freedom in Christ.” Whitney helps us understand that a regular practice of the spiritual disciplines does not reduce freedom, but rather expands it. This point is illustrated by two quotes, the first by Elton Trueblood … "The one who would be an athlete, but who is unwilling to discipline his
body by regular exercise...is not free to excel on the field or the track... Discipline is the price of freedom." And in the same vein, the second quote by Elisabeth Elliot... “Freedom and discipline have come to be regarded as mutually exclusive,
when in fact freedom is not at all the opposite, but the final reward, of discipline.” Indeed this book is full of quotes and excerpts from ancient and current-day heroes of the faith, each quote further inspiring you to consider the ancient path of the spiritual disciplines, and to walk in it (Jeremiah 6:16). My favorite chapter in "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" is the one on prayer. Here Whitney breaks down the common barriers to prayer while cutting a path for us to a deeper, more enjoyable prayer life. His insights on how meditation can impact our time alone with God are simple yet revolutionary. His explanations about the various types of prayer are an excellent resource, especially for people new to the faith. I especially love the section that reminds us that ‘prayer is answered’ and that, as C.H. Spurgeon says "Where God leads you to pray, He means you to receive.” This book is an invaluable resource for believers of all maturity and commitment levels. Even unsaved people will find this to be a helpful explanation of the nuts and bolts of the Christian faith. The book is an especially powerful discipleship tool, and for that reason I close this review with a challenge: Purchase two copies today and pray that the Lord would lead you to find someone younger in the faith who will meet with you to read and discuss a new chapter each week. With just thirteen chapters, you can be finished in just over three months! Your walk with Jesus will never be the same!
P.S. One of the reasons I love this book is because Don Whitney was my pastor for several years! He is the real deal. Please visit his website.
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