Yes indeed you can do that. We will redeem this quote from the management world and plop it right down on what we call our Christian journey. The quote says, “Your system is perfectly designed to achieve the results you are getting.” Dallas Willard, in his book Divine Conspiracy says, “This is a profound though painful truth that must be respected by all who have an interest in Christian spiritual formation, whether for themselves as individuals or for groups or institutions.”

This is really something that we all know deep down. Its the principle of “what you sow is what you reap,” and its something that we are always wrestling with as a staff. But, I want to turn the question in towards me, and I hope that you will do the same for yourself.

What is my system and what results am I getting? Am I happy with those results? We have been called to live a life of discipleship. Our calling is placed on our whole life and not just a part of it. So this principle challenges me when I really begin to examine my systems and my results. If the results are not matching up to what life looks like in the Kingdom of Jesus, then I need to change my system. My system may not be allowing enough room for silence and solitude. It may not be allowing enough room for in depth study of the word or focused time in prayer. If my system has some of these fundamental flaws, I’m probably not going to be achieving the results that I want and need.

Discipleship is an intentional process. At some point we have to examine our systems and cease relying completely on others for our growth, just as I cannot expect someone to work out for me and look for my muscles to be toned, it unfortunately just does not work like that. So, I have to be intentional about putting systems in place to work out my spiritual muscle.

What do your systems look like? Where do they need to be adjusted in order to help you achieve the best results for growth? How can I help?