As important as the disciplines of the faith (ordinary means of grace) are, they must not be misunderstood as being an end in and of themselves. Rather, they are a means to an end. What is that ultimate end? Greater love for and intimacy with Jesus. Let me state that two more times in two more ways.

The goal is not to be disciplined, but to know and love Christ more deeply, and walk in obedience to Christ Jesus more fully (John 5:39-40).

Our goal is devotion to the person of Christ, not devotion to a set of disciplines.

When these concepts are reversed, we have become religious rather than those who are enjoying growth in our relationship with our Lord. And it is easy to do because the religion of “do” is more natural to fallen humans than loving and following the Lord Jesus.

When “doing religion” is one’s goal there are two equally disastrous results: (1) When one excels at religious disciplines, the result is damning pride. (2) When one fails at religious disciplines, the result is condemnation. Both are spiritually debilitating.

This is why Jesus said, “You must be born again!” (John 3). It is only as we are born again (forgiven and given new hearts) that we have the ability and desire to exercise the disciplines of the faith with the correct motive that will produce the proper result. The correct motive is loving gratitude. The proper result is an ever-growing love for Christ and an ever-deepening intimacy with Him.

Understand the disciplines of the faith not as heartless religious duties, but as a means of growth in grace.