God’s ultimate plan for us is to be transformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. It is God’s will for us to be sanctified. However, this sanctification does not happen magically. The Bible tells us over and over again to deny our natural desires and to pursue the things of God. We are to discipline ourselves for the purpose of Godliness i.e., sanctification. Just as every other area of our lives requires us to be disciplined, spiritual growth also requires the practice of spiritual disciplines.

We are not naturally inclined to pray, read the Bible, meditate on God’s Word, worship with one another, fast, or use our resources wisely. We have to learn these things and there is enough instruction in the Bible to teach us.