Travis takes a look at how the modernist mindset influences our idea of what spiritual growth looks like :

When sanctification begins to look like your datebooks, instruction manuals, or diet plans, you’ve got a problem. When you tack on some vague notion about accomplishing your Spiritual Growth Plan through “the power of the Holy Spirit,” you’ve only complicated the problem. How does one tap into this “power,” anyway?

Notice the earmarks of modernity: progress; linear movement; calculation; goal-setting; measurement. It’s almost scientific; it’s almost economical. And most certainly, it’s cause-and-effect. Really, when it comes right down to it, it’s change management. Instead of applying the principles to your business, you just apply them to yourself.

We’re driving ourselves crazy trying to do this, because the Christian life doesn’t fit nicely into a self-help program. (read more)

Keith goes from Christian merchandising to thinking about how we fail to live the doctrine of creation :

I think there’s another reason behind the impulse to stamp a Scripture verse on every imaginable object. In large part we have an anemic doctrine of creation. Our conviction that God is the maker of heaven and earth should be evidenced in more ways than ongoing debates with evolutionists. Certainly, there’s a need for such apologetic activity but the doctrine of creation, like all biblical doctrines, is not given primarily for the purpose of our defending it but for our living it.

How do we live the doctrine of creation? By affirming along with God that his creation, though cursed on account of humanity’s rebellion, is still good and is given to us to richly enjoy with thanksgiving… (read more)

And finally, Annie provides some backup that coffee is actually an essential part of any spiritual discipline… Ok, not really, but she does quote from an article that shows there are health benefits to coffee. As if we needed that excuse…

Yet, analyzing data of 126,000 people over 18 years has led to an almost astonishing number of likely health benefits, including lowering your risk of diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, colon cancer, and improving mood, headaches, and even lessening the risk of cavities.

In some cases, even the “all things in moderation” cliché was put to the test. For example, drinking one to three cups a day reduced type 2 diabetes risk by single digits, whereas drinking six or more cups per day slashed men’s risk by 54 percent and women’s by 30 percent. (read more)

So, you think my health insurance will cover trips to Starbucks?