What is Spiritual Formation?

In the Christian tradition, spiritual formation is understood as the process by which we are transformed into the image of God (2 Cor. 3:17-18) As Matthew 12:35 (NIV) states, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.” This passage encapsulates the essence of spiritual formation – the cultivation of aligning our lives with the teachings and character of Jesus Christ.

The process of spiritual formation starts as we respond to the Spirit’s invitation to be formed into the type of person who readily reflects God to the world. The ultimate result of a life formed by God is a life that produces the fruit of the Spirit, a deep love for God and the world around us. 

What Does Spiritual Formation Mean?

At its core, spiritual formation in Christianity is the process through which individuals are shaped into the likeness of God, as highlighted in 2 Corinthians 3:17-18. It's about embracing a life that faithfully mirrors Jesus' teachings and actions. Through a partnership with God, the Holy Spirit actively works within us, molding our characters to become more like Jesus. This journey begins with our response to the Spirit’s invitation, leading us to become beacons of God’s presence in the world.

The ultimate aim of spiritual formation is to cultivate a life that bears the fruit of the Spirit, characterized by a profound love for God and a heartfelt compassion for others. This transformative process not only enriches our spiritual lives but also empowers us to make a positive impact on those around us.

Why Is Spiritual Formation Important?

Dallas Willard would often say, “the most important thing about you is not the things you achieve; it is the person that you become.” Who are you becoming? What type of person are you becoming? What kind of person do you want to become? These are the questions of formation. 

In life we are always in the process of being formed, whether we are aware of it or not. The person you are on the inside is gradually formed over the course of your life by a myriad of different things: How you were raised. Who you spend time with. The very things you do and give your life to. The gamut of life circumstances. All of these things play a role in forming you. The reality is, what and who you allow to shape you is what leads to your spiritual formation. As followers of Jesus, the goal is to become increasingly Christlike, making it essential to consciously choose influences that align with this aspiration.

As followers of Jesus, our desire is to become increasingly more and more like Christ. If we desire to become more Christlike then it is vital that we pay attention to the things that we are allowing to form us. If we desire to become people whose lives produce the fruit of the Spirit and reflect Christ to the world around us, then the person and life of Christ must have the greatest influence in our lives. The only way to be formed into Christlikeness is to allow Christ to form us. There is no other way. The person and work of Christ is the pathway of Christian spiritual formation. 

How Do I Start?

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26

As followers of Jesus, our desire is to become increasingly more and more like Christ. If we desire to become more Christlike then it is vital that we pay attention to the things that we are allowing to form us. If we desire to become people whose lives produce the fruit of the Spirit and reflect Christ to the world around us, then the person and life of Christ must have the greatest influence in our lives. The only way to be formed into Christlikeness is to allow Christ to form us. There is no other way. The person and work of Christ is the pathway of Christian spiritual formation. 

If you're looking for some practical starting points, check out our resource library for a variety of prayer guides and practices designed to help you cultivate a life with God.