I read this book and it really helped me understand some of the disciplines that are foundational for spiritual growth. I created a table which compares and contrast the disciplines versus what the world is offering. I have also added some quotes from the book and other sources. I hope this will help us all grow in Christ.

Disciplines of the Christian Life

So you want to be like Christ by Charles Swindoll (on the left)

So you want to be like the world by Scott Williams (on the right)

“Distance from God is a frightening thing. God will never adjust His agenda to fit ours. He will not speed His pace to catch up with ours; we need to slow our pace in order to recover our walk with Him.” (page 9)

“Superficiality is the curse of our age. The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a primary spiritual problem. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people.”(Richard Foster Celebration of Discipline)

“Notice that the first four disciplines have to do with getting rid of something, creating room in your life. The next four contribute vitality and authenticity to your spiritual life.”

(page 22)

IDOLATRY — the worship of something created as opposed to the worship of the Creator Himself. Scores of references to idolatry appear in the Old Testament. This shows that idolatry probably was the greatest temptation our spiritual forefathers faced.

WORSHIP — reverent devotion and allegiance pledged to God; the rituals or ceremonies by which this reverence is expressed. The English word “worship” comes from the Old English word “worthship,” a word that denotes the worthiness of the one receiving the special honor or devotion.

³⁷ Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

⁷ But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:7-8)

1. “The simplicity which is in Christ is rarely found among us. In its stead are programs, methods, organizations, and a world of nervous activity which occupy time and attention, but can never satisfy the longing of the heart.” ( Tozer: The Pursuit of God, page 17)

2. “If we would find God amid all the religious externals, we must first determine to find Him, and then proceed in the way of simplicity.” (Tozer: page 18)

3. “The evil habit of seeking God-and effectively prevents us from finding God in full revelation.” (Tozer: page 18)

4. “We become a child of God through faith, we become a disciple through sacrifice, but we become mature through time.” (Andy Stanley)

⁷ Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

(Galatians 6:7)

5. It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply. The Root of the Righteous, (Tozer)

6. You should expect spiritual warfare to increase as you start to develop your quiet time.

Spiritual growth is a process (months and years, never ending) not an event.