Sue’s Monday Morning Meditation
Rule of Life
05/06/2024
Scripture:
“I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples. (John 15:5-8 MSG)
Comments:
I just finished listening to author John Mark Comer’s latest book, Practicing the Way, a read I highly recommend. Comer devotes the final chapters in his book to developing a Rule of Life, which is an ancient spiritual formation practice dating back to the earliest centuries of the Christian Church.
I had never heard of a Rule of Life until I began spiritual direction training. One of our major assignments was to develop both a personal Rule as well as an organizational/ministry rule. Initially, I balked at this assignment because I don’t like rule-based religion. But since it was a requirement of my training program, I determined to give it my best try. Today, I realize developing my personal Rule of Life was perhaps the most valuable exercise of my spiritual formation.
So, how did I get over my “religious rule resistance?” I learned the original meaning of that word.
The Latin word for “RULE” (regula) was originally the word for ‘trellis.’ This realization enhanced Jesus’ words recorded in John 15:1-8 when he explained to his disciples that he is the vine, and they were the branches. I realized that in the same way a vine needs not only pruning, but a trellis to lift it off the ground so it can bear the maximum amount of fruit, and keep free of predators and diseases, I need a Regula as a kind of support structure to organize my life to “abide in the vine.”
I began to see the vine as my whole soul, planted deeply and firmly in the truth of Scripture and the love and work of The Trinity—God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
My friend and graphic artist, Sarah, developed this illustration to show four quadrants of my “soul,” Heart (including emotions, perceptions, and relationships); Mind (knowledge, wisdom, vocation, organization); Spirit (spiritual growth and formation into greater Christlikeness); and Body (health and wellness practices). Within these four quadrants, I determine helpful habits, and practices, as well as specific goals. Always, grace guides since life circumstances are constantly changing the branches of my “regula.”
A Rule of Life for me has helped me discover greater freedom.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for embodying the character of absolute grace and love you desire to show to all humanity.
Jesus, thank you for not only your willingness to die for my redemption but to show what God’s love looks like in everyday action.
Holy Spirit, thank you for your constant presence, giving comfort and encouragement, but also nudging me to change and showing me how to do it!
Reflection Question(s):
If you were to develop your own Rule of Life, what is the first area you would like to partner with and work on with God’s help in each of these areas: Heart, Mind, Spirit, and Body?
Blessings on your journey,
