Paul challenged Timothy, his young protege, to train himself to be godly (1 Timothy 4:17). Spiritual growth results from training, not just trying. Throughout the centuries, followers of Jesus have practiced the spiritual disciplines. These are the consistent, daily practices and rhythms that orient one's life toward God. Through the disciplines, we come to know God and retrain our loves so that they align with God and what he loves.

By themselves, the spiritual disciplines can do nothing. They simply get us to the place where something can be done. They are the environment where the Holy Spirit does his work.