What is Our Rule of Life?
Living by a Rule of Life has been practised by communities of Christians for hundreds of years. Simply speaking, a Rule of Life is a designed pattern of rhythms that aligns one’s habits to one’s beliefs. The Rule derives from the Latin word regula which means rhythm, regularity of pattern. The word “rule” is used also because it is connected to the Greek word for trellis, a tool designed to enable a vine to climb upwards and consequently grow more fruitful. Similarly, as disciples, we need a Rule of Life that works like a trellis - a support structure - that helps us abide in Christ (John 15:1-8), grow stronger and bear more fruit.
Our Growth
All of us have an unwritten personal rule of life, whether we like it or not. We either live by default or by design. The question is not whether we are being discipled, but rather, what kind of disciples we are becoming. Spiritual formation, then, begins with a framework of habits, or spiritual practices as we sometimes call them. To grow towards Christlikeness, we can and must be intentional about our rhythms and practices, in order to be formed into who we were made to be.
“It is unlikely that we will deepen our relationship with God in a casual or haphazard manner. There will be a need for some intentional commitment and some reorganisation in our own lives. But there is nothing that will enrich our lives more than a deeper and clearer perception of God’s presence in the routine of daily living.”
William Paulsell
Our Framework
With this framework, we can set in restrictions which keep us from wandering off our intended path, reacting to situations or falling prey to things rather than overcoming challenges and temptations we inevitably face in life. They enable us to lead ordered lives with regard to God, relationships, hobbies, work, food, money - every aspect of our being. As these purposeful restrictions enable us to push through complacency, apathy and conformity to the world, they create freedom for us to say ‘yes’ to the things that take us where we want to go and ‘no’ to the things that lead us away.
In this way, instead of burdensome laws or legalistic to-dos on your plate, a Rule of Life is really a life-giving exterior framework for an interior journey, because it clarifies your values and deepest priorities, enabling God’s grace for rest and freedom for your soul.
As you and I embark on these life-giving practices, may doing so align our schedules with our values and deepest priorities, thus enabling us to be with Jesus, become like Jesus and do the works of Jesus in our city.
“The presence of structure does communicate value. I know how much value you have for a thing or a person by how much structure you have put in your life that directly corresponds to that thing or person.”
Andre Tan
References: The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction, Justin Whitmel Earley
Crafting a Rule of Life: An Invitation to the Well-Ordered Way, Stephen A. Macchia