Spiritual Disciplines for Deeper Intimacy With God and Spiritual GrowthSample

Spiritual Pathways (1)

In his excellent book Sacred Pathways, Gary Thomas talks about nine different ways that people experience spiritual growth and become involved in the kingdom of God. In today's section, three of these pathways are mentioned.

None of them are right or wrong, better or worse. These are simply different ways Christians express their devotion to God and their calling. You will fit into one or two of the categories. Explore some of the other pathways. You may be positively surprised by the depth and joy of pursuing some of these pathways.

1. Naturalists: (This must not be confused with naturalism, which is the worship of nature.) Some people "recharge" by going outdoors, into nature, to experience God. Look at the mountains, smell the flowers, listen to the wind, and breathe fresh air on walking trails or climbing mountains. They feel they connect to the God that created the Universe.

2. Sensates: This group grows through expressions and observation of beauty, focusing on the extraordinary of the Christian faith, like miracles, dreams, visions, angels, and prophecies. To experience God with their emotions is of great importance for them.

3. Traditionalists: Some people experience God through rituals and symbols. These people find value in meditation and spiritually understanding the rich meaning of symbolism and rituals that are practiced in many denominations.