Foster Reflection

Fosters idea of inward and outward disciplines are similar in that they both have to do
with being still in the presence of God. For example, in both the discipline of meditation and the
discipline of solitude, we observe that our heart attitudes must be ready to listen to God. One
difference between Fosters idea of inward and outward disciplines has to do with the
incorporation of the Word of God. For example, in the discipline of meditation, we read aloud
and deeply ponder the Word of God. In the discipline of solitude, we focus on silence as we are
expectant of the soft, sweet whisper of the voice of our Savior. Foster describes corporate
discipline as an action that we participate in with our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is
different from both inward and outward disciplines that are focused on the individual. Corporate
disciplines are similar to inward and outward disciplines in that they facilitate spiritual growth.
As we engage in the various disciplines, we can not help but change in the presence of the
Almighty.

The discipline of meditation consists of us walking and talking with our Creator. As we
meditate, we facilitate the building within our hearts of a temple by Jesus. Meditation can be
examining the Word, pondering it, repeating it, etc. A vital part of meditation is crying out to
God for forgiveness of our sins and putting into action His laws. Christian meditation is different
from Eastern meditation in that it allows the filling of our minds rather than the emptying of our
minds. I believe meditation is so powerful and is meant for every follower of Christ. It is a must.
As we meditate, we enter the presence of God. As we enter the presence of God, we inevitably
experience change within us. Meditation may be unhelpful if it gets out of balance by causing
people to lose sight of the Great Commission. We must remember to go into every mans world
and tell them that He loves them. We can not accomplish this if we are constantly away from
people due to our severe dedication to meditation. Foster mentions how we can not learn how to
meditate by reading a book. In taking steps to reach greater depths of Jesus via the discipline of
meditation, I will do what Nike implores: Just Do It. More specifically I will set apart time
each day and create a routine. I will set a realistic goal with regards to time. I will likely start off
with a timer set for five minutes.
 The discipline of solitude consists of having moments of silence. In fact, one cannot be in
solitude without being in silence. Silence can be described as remaining still in Gods presence
waiting and listening for His voice. People participate in the acts of observing and listening when
they engage in the discipline of solitude. When we participate in solitude and silence, we learn
when and when not to talk. This is of major importance because Ecclesiastes 3:7 states that there
is a a time to be silent and a time to speak, (NIV). I believe the discipline of solitude is for
everyone, even non believers. I agree with Foster when talks about how our society can not bear
the thought of being alone or being in silence. I believe one possible reason for this is that people
do not want to acknowledge reality. If they do not have something constantly distracting them,
then they are forced to face their sin. This is similar to how people want a second-hand message
from God because they want to avoid being in the presence of God because if that occurs, then
change within them will occur. Change within us is not an easy process; change is a painful
process.This discipline might be unhelpful if it gets out of balance because people may end up
totally isolating themselves. Total isolation can lead to one going insane. I have seen homeless
people talking to themselves and I believe on of the reasons they develop mental illness is
because of their isolation. They have no one to talk to so they start talking to themselves and that
is just the beginning. I also believe that being in solitude too much can prevent us from fulfilling
the Great Commission. How can we go out into the world and give freely what our Father has
given to us if we are always by ourselves? Then, what is the point of being apart of the Body of
Christ besides fulfilling our selfish desire of making sure we get to heaven? I think I can remain
in solitude before or after I meditate on the Word. For example, when I go to the Prayer Tower, I
can be still and be in my quiet place in one of the prayer rooms. While at home for summer,
my quiet place will be the park that is across the street from my house. I will also start off by
having a timer set for five minutes.

The discipline of confession consists of both receiving Gods grace and choosing to take
action. Confession is both in private to God and in community to our brothers and sisters. This
discipline comes with the unity of the Body of Christ, which is talked about in the Bible.
Ephesians 4:13 states, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of
God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ, (NIV). As we
participate in confession, we experience growth. Through confession, we find healing, hope,
change in ourselves, change in our relationship with God, etc. Jesus has gifted to us His
priestliness; Thus, we are to both confess and forgive. I believe that the discipline of confession
is for everyone, especially the Body of Christ. Not only should we be prepared to confess, but
also prepared to listen to our brothers and sisters and remind them that Gods love and
forgiveness is real. Preparation should come before the situation occurs. If we practice in private,
then it will be a part of our character and be evident in our public lives. Sometimes we are able to
acknowledge the fact that we are sinning, but we forget about turning from our wicked ways and
choosing to live a righteous life. I think that if we continually confess our sins but do not
maintain balance by continually forgiving others and attempting to turn from our evil ways, then
we can embark down a dangerous path and the discipline might prove to be unhelpful. We need
to remember that Gods grace is a gift and is not to be abused. Not only do we need to confess,
but also forsake our sins. I tend to go straight to Christ to ask for forgiveness for my sins.
However, when I do sin against someone else, I usually admit that my actions were wrong and I
ask them for their forgiveness. For example, if I say something mean to a friend of mine and they
tell me that it hurt them, then I apologize and ask them to forgive me. Likewise, I forgive others
who sin against me. I think one area I can improve is making it a habit to start off my day and
end my day confessing my sins and asking for forgiveness instead of only remembering mid-day
or on Sunday morning. To start off, I will participate in confession when I wake up and am still
lying in bed.

In his book, Foster eloquently describes the various disciplines that put us on the path to

grow in the spirit. Some of the disciplines include fasting, prayer, meditation, solitude, and

confession. While each discipline has its significance, it is also important to maintain a balanced

life with regards to our spiritual walk. As we seek more of God by engaging in the disciplines,

we may begin to experience a radical change within us. God will mold us into the person He

meant us to be. In my opinion, this piece of work is powerful. I absolutely desire to read further.

As a follower of Christ, I continually want to grow in my relationship with the Lord and this

book provides provoking insight into spiritual growth. I believe this book is strong in providing

biblical citations to support what the author is saying. This book is also strong because it does

not use too much religious jargon; it is straightforward and fairly simple. I think one way Foster
can improve this book is by going into greater detail about views opposing his descriptions of the

disciplines. Overall, this book is well-written and has life-changing insight; I will likely keep it

on my bookshelf for years to come.