You’ve heard of having a mission statement, or been encouraged to create short and long term goals or some other type of planning system. Maybe you loved doing that; or perhaps you avoided it like the plague. Either way, you may be interested in another concept described as life direction or spiritual direction.  Knowing your spiritual direction doesn’t mean you have to be a big planner; it simply means a) you’re pointed in the direction you want your life to go and b) have borders in place to keep you on that path. And for those of you who struggle with constant self-analysis, spiritual direction can actually help you trust yourself more.

How Is Spiritual Direction Different from A Mission Statement?

There are similarities, but in the case of spiritual direction –

• You are building a plan with faith as your foundation
• You are naming the Holy Spirit as your guide and partner
• You are addressing your sins
• You are giving on-going repentance a significant place in the operations of the plan
• You are not so concerned with the details, as with obeying Your Savior day-by-day

Being in a Spiritually Directed Mode

Some people naturally have spiritual direction written on their hearts and prefer a solo, casual approach. In this case, a spiritual life direction develops by picking up ideas here and there from discipleship, books, podcasts, etc. If that approach seems best for you, continue gathering spiritual direction information through various resources; consider taking notes in a journal earmarked just for life direction ideas; and possibly use spiritual direction guidance and ideas as provided at the end of this article or that you’ve found online.

People Who Help with Spiritual Direction

Others of you may prefer to seek spiritual direction as more of an official process with a partner. You might be among believers who ask someone (trained lay persons, priests, counselors, etc.) to be a spiritual director in their lives to help them discover, pursue, and maintain a purposeful spiritual path. Research the people in your church community who say they provide formal spiritual direction and find out exactly what they offer. Or you may be among those who want to work with a Christian counselor not only to address emotional and relational matters, but also to grow to the next level spiritually. This can happen organically as the counseling process takes place, or together you can work to create a life direction plan. This activity is a most powerful way to build your life around Jesus, experience profound freedom from the consequences of a haphazard lifestyle, and live wisely and productively.

What’s in a Life Direction Document?  

Each person’s path is unique – so each person’s document will be highly personal while remaining aligned with Scripture. A life direction plan can include and expand on some of the following:

• Specific declarations about your devotion to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
• Statements that demonstrate how you understand your identity in Christ
• What serving His Kingdom looks like based on your calling and spiritual gifts
• Defining love according to the God of the Bible and how you will share that love with the people in your life
• Describing the variety of relationships in your life and how you can best engage and care for others, and build up the Body of Christ
• Confessions of your sinful nature and the areas you most need purification
• Examining patterns and habits, so that you know which practices to nurture and which ones to break
• Naming accountability partners who will ask you the hard questions and answer your phone call in the middle of the night
• Practical measures to nourish your soul, incorporate spiritual disciplines into your daily routine, receive benefits of Sabbath rest, and protect your mental and emotional well-being
• Prayer points to keep you communicating with heaven
• Lists of the specific Scriptures, authors, influencers, songs/hymns etc. you have discovered best keep your heart in focus
• Challenges such as memorizing Scripture, praying fervently, dying to self, finding contentment, and giving thanks in all things
• Setting objectives in order to leave the legacy that matters to you and to demonstrate a life lived with an eternal perspective

What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. (Westminster Shorter Catechism, 1647)