Celebration of Discipline
For March 25, Read Chapters 6 (Simplicity) and 7 (Solitude)
The Discipline of Simplicity
1. Matthew 6:25-34 and Luke 12:13-34 are two versions of the same teaching. Choose one. Read it through, and then take time to meditate on the passage and/or follow the steps in Lectio Divina.
What sentence of truth does the passage provide for you?
What does it say about simplicity?
2. According to the Ten Commandments for Kids in the NIV Adventure Bible, the tenth commandment (“Do not covet . . .”) is restated as “Don’t want what others have.” The means for obeying it is defined as “Be satisfied with what I have.”
What are the challenges you face to being satisfied with what you have?
Hint: Consider both challenges from within and challenges from without (others in your life, society in general)
3. What are the three inward attitudes of simplicity that Foster lists?
Which of these inward attitudes is most challenging for you?
4. Review the ten controlling principles of the outward expression of these inward attitudes of simplicity. Which of these principles are you currently following successfully?
Which of these principles involve behaviors you would like to address?
If more than one stands out, choose one area for immediate attention. Identify one thing that you can do in the next week to begin to address this area, and then do it. What did you learn from this experience?
What obstacles do you anticipate might interfere with your development of the disciple of simplicity?
The Discipline of Solitude
1. Why do we need both solitude and community for our spiritual life?
2. Where do you go when you are seeking a time of solitude? If you have more than one place, which is your favorite place?
PLEASE NOTE: This will be the check-in question for our meeting on March 25th.
3. When have you experienced a “dark night of the soul?” Reflect on your experience and consider:
What triggered the experience?
What helped during the experience?
What didn’t help during the experience?
What have you gained as a result of the experience?
Reread the quote from Isaiah (Isaiah 50:10) included in the discussion of the dark night of the soul. Take time to meditate on this passage and/or follow the steps in Lectio Divina. What does this passage have to say to you about the dark night of the soul?
4. Foster outlines five steps into solitude at the end of the chapter.
Which of these steps can you take?
What obstacles do you anticipate that might undermine your efforts to develop the disciple of solitude?