The Regular

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, this is the time for New Year’s resolutions. I’ve been told that diet plans and fitness clubs usually see a spike in membership the first month of the year. The resolve to double down, to do the right things in the months ahead is commendable thing, but then February comes around…smile.
 
I’m heading in a fresh direction this year, perhaps you are, too. I’m framing it out by refreshing a “rule of life.”
 
In earlier times, many churches, religious orders and monasteries would teach what was called a “rule of life” to the faithful. It was a pattern of discipline that gave a structure for spiritual growth. When put into practice repeatedly, important routines were formed which shaped life’s attitudes and behaviors. Some were simple, others were more involved, but whichever—they would become part of the normal rhythm, or “rule of guidance” for life. In Latin, it was called the “Regular,” something done regularly.

Often at baptism, a person’s leader or mentor would give them a “Regular” as their life verse for walking with God. Keeping a “Regular” was a normal part of following God. All were encouraged follow it, but particular benefit was found among the simple and illiterate, as they didn’t have easy access to the word of God until well into the 1600’s with the invention of the printing press. In keeping their Regular, the word of God was already forming them, as its effectiveness was daily bearing fruit in their lives. It made them good to be around and gave a true spiritual face of what God is like.
 
So, typically, it includes memorizing a verse or certain passage of scripture. It is short enough to memorize, but powerful enough to be significant. It becomes the lens by which we see our life together with God. We talk it through, pray it over, and live it out in everyday situations. We seek to frame our lives through that special word of God. Therefore, when we are poked unexpectedly, our natural response will be to see, think, speak and act in a consistent spiritual manner, as framed by that verse.

I think I’m making Philippians 4:8-9 my “Regular” in this season. These “whatever” statements are informing my thoughts a new way.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whateveris admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
 

Whenever, wherever and whatsoever is true, or noble, or right, or pure, or lovely, or admirable – if I notice anything excellent or praiseworthy, these things I intend to fully take in, and dwell upon, for in doing so, the God, who is peace, promises to be with me. That’s a cool rule of life!
 
Whatever we practice is what we extend to others as an act of love. It’s our core value, enabling us to “abide with God”, in a very simple and profound way.
 
Let’s be different rather than just do different this year.
 
There are hundreds of good passages to adopt as a “rule for life”. Here are a few I mean to incorporate soon: Colossians 3:17; Colossians 1:10-12; Luke 6:20-38; Philippians 3:13-16.
 

Happy New Year's Resolutions!