I’ll be the first to say that just because someone wrote a long time ago does not mean that they automatically have a better understanding of these things than we do. But, likewise, just beacuse we are moderns does not believe we have it figured out. One of the most important reasons we should read someone like Edwards is because his assumptions and mistakes, whatever they are, are probably not our assumptions and mistakes. In reading the tradition we can come to see how much our culture has influenced how we read Scripture, make decisions about the Christian life and focus our attention on certain issues and cause us to ignore others. But this is not the only reason we read someone like Edwards. Edwards has been tested. When someone is read after several hundred years, it is worth while to pay attention to them. The church has a way of weighing individuals through time, and even though we might disagree with a lot of what they say, only high-level thinkers make it through the filter of time.

But, again, this is not the only reason we read someone like Edwards. We do not simply read someone like him because they are great thinkers. No. We read them because they were known, in their day and ever since, to be a prime example of the Christian life. In Edwards we find a deeply spiritual man whose marriage and family are seen as a prime Christian example in the tradition. In other words, this is someone worth listening to because his life preached the glory and goodness of God.

But when I talk with people about Edwards I often hear things like, “I’ve tried to read Edwards (or fill in whatever great theologian from the tradition you want) but he is just too difficult.” This I understand. I’ve been reading Edwards for the last 7 years and he can still be incredibly difficult. So what I have tried to do is to distill his understanding of the Christian life into a relatively short book that could be understood by all. What I’ve come up with, I think, is a readable account of Edwards’s understanding of spiritual formation and practice that will be challenging, encouraging and live-able. This is not all theory, but practice grounded in a man’s life that was deeply holy. It is, ultimately, an account of life with God that seeks to unveil the beauty and glory of God that your heart would be captivated.

To look over the endorsements and see the table of contents, click here.

Click here for a video introduction

“This is an important book that can change your life.”

Dr. Rick Warren, Saddleback Church

“Strobel has written a deeply thoughtful and informed primer on spirituality that is based on Edwards’ theology and life. From the ‘sovereignty principle’ to an Edwardsian retreat, Kyle has given a gift that will be a means of grace for many.”

John Ortberg, Menlo Presbyterian Church

“Kyle Strobel shows us a better way—a way less traveled—for how to live the Christian life bound to the Son in love. A feast awaits all those with eyes to see.”

Justin Taylor, managing editor, ESV Study Bible; blogger, “Between Two Worlds”

“This book did more than teach me; it awakened longing for God.  It introduces Jonathan Edwards as the luminous, pastoral, passionate, and deeply Christian man that he was.  I heartily commend it to you.”

Gerald L. Sittser, Professor of Theology, Whitworth University, and author of Water From a Deep Well

“If biblical spirituality is something you cherish and long for, you can do no better than join Strobel, together with Edwards, in this profoundly life-changing exploration. Highly recommended!”

 Sam Storms, Ph.D, Lead Pastor, Bridgeway Church

“… an extremely helpful volume that delineates what a distinctively evangelical piety has looked like in the past and why that pattern is still of great value today.”

Michael A. G. Haykin, professor of church history and biblical spirituality,

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Outline:

Introduction

Part One: A Journey into Beauty

1. A Journey to See Clearly

2. Mapping the Way of Love

3. Walking in Affection

Part Two: Tools for the Journey

4. Spiritual Disciplines as Means of Grace

5. Knowledge of God and Knowledge of Self

6. Meditation and Contemplation

7. Jonathan Edwards’s Spiritual Practices

Conclusion

Appendix 1: Praying with Jonathan Edwards

Appendix 2: Practicing Conference with Jonathan Edwards

Appendix 3: Going on Retreat with Jonathan Edwards

Appendix 4: The Jonathan Edwards Project

The Application
 
I often get discouraged with my own growth.
 
I don’t feel 34.
I’m still lazy and disorganized.
I still struggle with the same old sins.
I am not good at the same things professionally as I was not good at five years ago.
I still compare myself to my peers and find myself inadequate.

But, I need to realize that I have grown, it’s just been gradual from my perspective.

I am 34, who cares what that feels like…
I’m tired and lazy sometimes, but I also work like crazy other times (plus I have a 5 year old son).
Yeah, I struggle with the same sins, but the struggle looks different, and I bring it to the foot of the cross far more often.
I’m not the best at some things professionally, but at least now I know it, and I know how to improve.

And, inadequacy is just an area that Satan has found me vulnerable to attack. 

It’s a lie that I haven’t grown.  A lie that Satan tempts me to believe so I will be crippled by despair.
Speech development is a gradual process.
Moustache growth is a gradual process.
…And growth in general is a gradual process.

I have grown, but growth is slow and gradual.  It doesn’t mean I’m worthless.
It just means I’m still a man in need of a savior.  

It’s been one of those weeks.

Elliana wouldn’t go to sleep tonight. Typically she would sleep till Christmas if I let her.

But tonight she was restless.  As if aware of a world that isn’t right. Being crammed in a home she wasn’t made for.

I held her crying tears as her wisdom held my invitation to prayer.

I thought of the stupid spinach that’s had me down with food poisoning.

I thought of my friend Juli and her family and what it would feel like to watch an explosion kill people.

I thought of my friend’s couch and her exhausted voice telling me about her crumbled marriage.

I thought of the one deciding if it’s best to give her daughter up for adoption.

And the one who’s out of jail again, but manic again, too.

I thought of the pit of anxiety in my stomach, collapsing at trying to carry weights beyond my control.

I thought of my crammed soul.

Moisture rolled from my eyes. As if Elliana’s tears had told them it was okay.

That home is not in this bedroom.

Her body was calm on my chest now, her soft cheek nuzzled into mine.

I thought of the verse God’s been telling me about from the Psalms. That He has set my feet in a spacious place (31.8).

Her greyish navy eyes looked deep into mine.

Like a quiet corner of the ocean after an exhausting storm.

Her demeanor whispered space.

A quiet place of rest.

Weeping may spend the night, but there is joy in the morning (30:5).

We laid in this gaze for awhile.

And then I served him burnt lasagna, and told him again that I loved him.

We aren’t on a 100% juice fast but we are choosing juices made from fresh fruits and veggies for most of our meals.  We both have more energy.  We’ve both lost weight.  We spend more quality time with our son because we’re not as tired.  Consequently, he watches less TV.  We’ve been more active outside as well, but that’s due, in part, to the weather being warmer. Also, I’ve only had coffee four times in the past four weeks; if you know me at all, you know that’s amazing. 

[I’ve been hash-tagging this as “Healthkick” on my Twitter account]
 
 
A Difference in Mindset
 
As I said, we’re not on a complete juice-fast.  We’re making good choices and choosing to do most of our meals this way.  It’s not excessively legalistic or regimented.  Occasionally we’ll have small portions of something along with juice.  Sometimes we’ll have juice before we go out to dinner or to some place we know will have food, thus helping us eat less in those situations.  We might take a day or weekend off completely from juicing and just eat normally.  We don’t think regular food is bad, just that our ratio of Healthy : Neutral : Junk was skewed before so we’re swinging the pendulum the other way.  We’re rebooting our system.
Something I’ve noticed is that “regular food” just isn’t as appealing to me anymore. 

• I had Mt. Dew about a week ago and it wasn’t as great as I remembered it.
• I had some VERY tasty breakfast food at church today, and my acid reflux is acting up for the first time in a month.
• One or two bites of something sweet is enough now (it used to be one or two plates full). 
• I find myself sort of regretting when I have regular food, not as a sense of guilt, just that I’ve missed an opportunity to make a better choice. 

 
This all got me thinking…
 
 
Juicing Jesus?
 
Maybe it’s time to consume Jesus only. 
Maybe I need to choose to take in only the Good. 
Maybe I need to pick out the fresh fruits of the Kingdom of God and make that my exclusive diet for a while.
 
Maybe taking in a high concentration of Jesus for a time would loosen the appeal of the world.  Maybe smaller portions of Facebook, or movies, or video games would satisfy me if I got my major sustenance from Him. 

Maybe my soul craves more entertainment because entertainment, like junk food, is designed to leave me craving more. 
Maybe if I spend the majority of my time with Jesus I’ll be content, and not look elsewhere.

Maybe I need to stop missing opportunities to make the better choice. 
 
This is not to say that all things of the world are bad, but perhaps my ratio is skewed. 
Maybe I need to swing the pendulum
Maybe I need to reboot my system with Jesus.  

I stayed with my grandfather for about a week several years ago.  One night after dinner at a restaurant we ran into someone he knew in the parking lot.  They were talking, catching up, and my grandfather asked her about her husband.  The woman replied that he had passed away some time before.  My grandpa responded,
“oh, well, I’ve been out of town traveling for a while”
 
Another statement spoken to cover a simple mistake.
Gramps may have traveled recently to my aunt or uncle’s houses, but he certainly hadn’t been out of town as long as the lady mentioned; he was getting forgetful at that point in his life.  That’s not really the point though, the lady didn’t seem offended that he didn’t know or had forgotten.  She hadn’t responded to his question angrily; for example, “How could you bring that up! Don’t you remember that my husband is dead?!”
My observation in this story is not that he forgot, it’s that he came up with something to say to brush over his completely understandable mistake. 
 
 
Talking to Cover
 
“Covering” is what we do in response to shame. 
We sense something is wrong deep within ourselves and we pile thoughts and actions on top of it so that we don’t have to face it.  Often this covering happens verbally, reactively, when we’re afraid our inadequacies are about to be exposed. 
 
I wonder how much conversation is “covering”.
Much like the preschooler and my grandfather, we all try to cover our mistakes.
 
Some things are legitimate, acceptable deficiencies with who we are.
…like being young and not yet learning how to tie one’s shoes.
…like being old and staring to forget some things here and there.
Or… like not knowing the thing that everyone around you is talking about.
 
It’s not just the very young and the very old that do this.  All of us in between do the same thing everyday.  How much of what you say is a reaction to not wanting those around you to know that you’re not as cool as you want them to think you are?
…or as smart.
…or as spiritual.
 
My Story and …Yours?
 
I’ll give you a simple example from my own life.

Sometimes a colleague will ask if I’ve heard of some theory or some author or some book. I might reply, “hmmm… I’m not sure, but that sounds familiar”

Have I heard of it? maybe.
Do I have a solid grasp of the concept being discussed?  Probably not.
Do I have a deep fear that others won’t think I’m smart, accomplished, good at my job, etc.? Yes.
Is it possible that I’ve convinced myself that it sounds “familiar” because that’s easier than just admitting that I don’t know something I think I should know? Totally.
 
 
What do you say to make sure other people think highly of you?
How do you fill the silence when you get uncomfortable with it?
 
What are you ashamed of? 
What are you afraid others will know about you?
Verbalize it to yourself.
Try to verbalize it to others.