Ways to Improve Your Spiritual Health

The following are time-tested methods to improve your spiritual health. These are good ideas whether or not you plan to lead an Employee Resource Group (ERG) at your company.

1) MAKE BIBLE READING A DAILY PRACTICE

Set aside a few minutes each day to read the Bible and reflect on its meaning. Many people do this first thing in the morning, before you get distracted by the challenges of the day. You can use devotional Bible reading plans like those available on the YouVersion app, or the video studies on PRS.work.

You can also use the tried-and-true method of the Lectio Divina for encountering scripture. The Lectio Divina involves reading a single passage of scripture multiple times and letting it sink in. As you read a single passage over and over again, new meanings jump out at you. You can encounter God through this process of discovery.

The 3rd century Church Father Origen of Alexandria was the first to write about the practice of the Lectio Divina. Origen believed that God was incarnate in scripture and that people could be touched powerfully by God through slow purposeful reading of the Bible.

Lectio Divina Exercise

1. Read (Lectio). Read the passage slowly. What words or phrases jump out at you?
   In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
2. Reflect (Meditatio). Read the passage again. What emotions does it stir up? Is there anything God is saying to you personally through the passage?
   In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
3. Respond (Oratio). Read the passage again. Is there a response or action step God is inviting you to take?
   In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
4. Rest (Contemplatio). Read the passage one last time. Allow the divine reading to sink in.​
   In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)​​

2) JOIN A SMALL GROUP

Small groups are gatherings of like-minded Christians who meet on a regular basis – usually once a week – to read the Bible, discuss their lives, and pray for one another. Your church likely sponsors many small groups. You can also find small groups through Christian business associations. Participating in a small group is a surefire way to ensure you get the spiritual support and accountability you need from a group of your spiritual peers.

As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

3) PRACTICE REST

Starting an ERG can be a strenuous process. So it’s important that you’re practicing balance in all areas of your life and incorporating healthy rhythms of rest, play, and rejuvenation.

Many Christians find it helpful to take a full day off each week for rest and spiritual rejuvenation.

A practice of physical rest puts you in a frame of mind to remember God’s big promises of both rest and success for you and your company.

And the Lord gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their ancestors; not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the Lord had given all their enemies into their hands. Not one of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass. Joshua 21:44-45

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