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A LIFE WELL LIVED

‘Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.’ (Jesus - Matt.11v28-29)

I confess, years ago if friends had suggested going for a coffee to discuss Religious Rules and Rhythms of Life I expect I might have dismissed it as something for the super-spiritual SAS elite, those able to abseil effortlessly into the depths of God’s presence such as monks and hermits hidden far from the real world. I thought I had all the answers but I didn’t have the right questions.   

As the years have passed I have been on a journey of learning and unlearning and have begun to discover the rich depth and diversity of The Church in a myriad of true God-breathed expressions. We empathise with the great CS Lewis who once said, ‘Endless church meetings without Christ are like hell on earth!’ In our journey together to discover authentic life with Christ increasing numbers of us are finding inspiration from past pilgrims who had a Rule of Life; Henri Nouwen, Mother Teresa, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and St Francis.

In our search for greater interior spiritual depth some of us are exploring our own Rhythms and Rules of Life that relate to life in the 3rd Millennium to help us build a better, more sustainable and enjoyable rhythm – a life well lived, not driven by demands but shaped by God’s Spirit. Our future is not set, so we must take hold of our future. You can. You choose.

A Rule can help us become more Christ-centred. I live on auto-pilot more than I’d like to admit so I am embracing the practice of slowing. Would you and those closest to you benefit from you listening better, talking less, watching less TV, driving peacefully? Do you enjoy a rhythm free of email and work at least one day a week? Stopping-places. Traditional spiritual disciplines are likely to help us become more Christlike but perhaps creative disciplines might suit you better at times because of how you’re hard-wired such as; being outdoors, walking in mountains or by the sea, getting more sleep and exercise. Psalm 23 says it well, ‘He makes me lie down.’ Dryness can come to slow us down. Without Jesus we slowly wither and die spiritually – often without noticing it. Are you more joyful and peaceful than a year ago? Ask your friends. Is your life producing genuine fruitfulness or are you just getting busier? How might you change gear and build better rhythms into your life?

Rules and Rhythms of Life essentially flow out of the power of agreement. God loves friends, partnerships and covenants and the true Church is built on the firm foundations of The Old and New Covenants. They’re nothing new, nor a passing fad; in fact they are incredibly old. They served Biblical and historical changemakers well. Don’t take our word for it, find out by studying the Scriptures and radical church history for yourself. Jesus himself had a rhythm of withdrawing to pray in the early hours and prayed the Jewish ‘Schema’ prayer 3 times a day: ‘The Lord Our God is One Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. ‘

Creating a covenant or vow for marriage or a Rule of Life must be prepared for patiently, prayerfully and accountably. Increasing numbers of us are exploring rules and rhythms of life, as ‘cymbrogi’ (a Celtic term for ‘companions of the heart’). We take inspiration for our vow from Zinzendorf’s Order of The Mustard Seed. It has three core values; be true to Christ (authentic), be kind to all people (relational) and take the gospel to all nations (missional).

Like The Desert Fathers, The Celtic Christians and monastic movements down through two-thousand years, increasing numbers are exploring fresh expressions of church community because they believe our world is looking for a distinct, radical alternative. Christ-centred, intentional communities are forming with sustainable rhythms and shared values such as; relocating to forgotten places, social transformation, hospitality, non-violence, discipleship, a commitment to Justice for The Environment, submission to Christ’s new body, the Church and prioritising The Poor. We believe that grass can grow through concrete.    

As we travel together we want to keep asking core questions that shape our lives. How can I be true to Christ today? How can I be kind to all people today? How can I participate in transformation and mission to all nations today? We have chosen to commit to Christ and the whole Gospel in this way. I’m sure I’ll fail at times. However, we can be sure though that God’s unforced rhythms of grace will be at work in our lives. As the great hymn declares, ‘Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a sinner like me, I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.’ Perhaps God is releasing a fresh wave of these ancient forms of faith in our time? Perhaps God is speaking a fresh word to our generation? Is God speaking this to you? 

‘Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.’ (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

Soul food…books:

• Schools For Conversion: 12 Marks of The New Monasticism by Rutba House

• Living Life As An Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne

• The Life You Always Wanted by John Ortberg

Related websites:

www.newmonasticism.org

www.thesimpleway.org

Contributor: Justin Blake

Justin is married to Ele and they have two sons. They work at Windlesham House School in the stunning Sussex Downs and are part of a church community enjoying rhythms of 24-7Prayer at Wiston Estate. Justin loves mountains, beaches, hill-walking, eating and drinking with family and friends, reading, Liverpool FC, star-gazing and laughing. 

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