In Matthew 11 Jesus encourages his followers to take on his yoke. In John 14 he describes himself as a way. He invites his disciples to imitate his actions as well as believe his words. Again and again throughout history movements that have developed rules, rhythms and practices have found their ability to befriend God and join in with His work has been strengthened.
We need to find practices that can help us grow in strength as disciples and missionaries called to follow Jesus and build community.
We accept this idea in most areas of life. We wouldn’t ask an athlete to complete a marathon without many miles of training. We wouldn’t expect a musician to perform a great work without hours of practice. This is also true of our life together – if we really want to become a church of disciples who see God use us to make new disciples, that will be greatly helped by developing monthly, weekly, maybe even daily practices.
The rhythm of GRACE: 5 sets of practices that will build up our muscles and enable us to live in Jesus’ way as individuals, in our households and as Kairos Communities. These 5 practices are:
Generously Bless – regularly look for other people we can serve, love and show God’s goodness to in generous ways.
Receive and Release – regularly let ourselves receive God’s presence with us as we worship and pray, then share that with those around us.
Ask questions and tell stories – practice curiosity and empathy in a way that helps build connections with people and let our lives be formed and speak of God’s great story.
Celebrate – let joyful celebration, parties and thanksgiving often happen around us.
Eat Together – welcome friends, neighbours and strangers to table with us and share food together.
What are you doing to bring these practices to life as an individual, a family and a Kairos Community?
Which part of this rhythm already intrigues, encourages or challenges you? Why not start some conversation with God and those you share life with about how you could develop practices in that area?
Dallas Willard famously said “Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning.” The more we practice our faith, the more we do things out of love for the God who loves us and takes steps forward, the better we will find we are able to hear God, to serve him, to live with hope and joy, and to see community growing amongst us.
