A Rule of Life

"A rule of life is a pattern of spiritual disciplines that provides structure and direction for growth in holiness. … A rule of life is not meant to be restrictive, although it certainly asks for genuine commitment. It is meant to help us establish a rhythm of daily living, a basic order within which new freedoms can grow. A rule of life, like a trellis, curbs our tendency to wander and supports our frail efforts to grow spiritually. …

"[A rule of life] fosters gifts of the Spirit in personal life and human community, helping to form us into the persons God intends us to be."
-- Marjorie Thompson,Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life(page 138)

The recent publication ofThree Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Livingby Bishop Reuben Job has me thinking a lot lately about the United Methodist rule of life, the General Rules. Bishop Job reminds us that a hallmark of Methodism is "faith working through love" (Galatians 5:6).

What follows are some brief reflections on the General Rules and their relationship with the General Rule of Discipleship. Each have an important role to play in helping congregations live into their mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.