The discipline of journaling (or writing in a diary) can be a surprisingly fruitful practice for a Christian who is seeking to grow in godliness. Whitney notes that some of the Bible itself appears to contain written records of exactly that sort: The Psalms are the journaled poems of King David about his life and relationship with God, the Book of Lamentations is Jeremiah’s journaled reflections on the fall of Jerusalem, and so on. This practice was also widely acclaimed by many heroes of the Christian faith through the ages (especially the Puritans), and some of their journals have become classics of spiritual literature. Journaling offers a host of benefits to the Christian. It provides a habit that gives one space to reflect not only on the outward events of one’s life but also on one’s walk with God. It can be a tremendous asset to one’s intentions to grow in all the disciplines, as it provides a way to track progress and to confess lapses, thus keeping one from slipping into a rut.

Journaling also provides deeper insight into oneself, adding a layer of valuable self-knowledge that is difficult to come by anywhere else. Whitney quotes the Protestant Reformer John Calvin on this point: “Without knowledge of self there is no knowledge of God” (252). In journals, Christians can sift their thoughts, motivations, and feelings, exploring the roots of where they come from and evaluating them in the light of God’s call. As a further means of expressing oneself, it can also help in one’s life of prayer and meditation.

Whitney notes that journaling can serve not only the present but also the past and future. With regard to the past, it gives Christians a record of their walk with God, helping them remember the lessons and works of God in their lives and providing a way to look back on those testimonies of his grace. As for the future, journaling creates a spiritual heritage which will be available to one’s children and grandchildren or to those of future generations who might take an interest. Those people will find not only a record of what life was like but also the inspiration of a life that was faithfully striving toward God every day. Whitney offers several practical suggestions for how to journal, such as the pros and cons of writing the entries out by hand versus on a screen, but he notes that the most important thing is to do it intentionally and regularly.

Whitney believes that too many Christians fall into a false sensibility in which they feel that one may either devote oneself to knowledge or to passionate zeal for the gospel, but not to both. Whitney contends against this: “I maintain that the more Christlike we grow, the more we will pursue both a full head and a full heart, and the more we will radiate both spiritual light and heat” (272). Zeal for the Lord is indispensable, but pursuing knowledge does not mean giving up on that passion. Biblical books like Proverbs continually encourage believers to pursue wisdom and knowledge. Further, Jesus’s “great commandment” to his followers includes the use of the mind in one’s relationship with God. As recorded in Mark 12:30, Jesus says that you must “Love the Lord your God…with all your mind,” and to this Whitney adds, “What God wants most from you is your love. And one of the ways He wants you to show love and obedience to Him is by godly learning” (275).

Whitney points out that learning is essential for growth. One must learn what it means to be godly, in all its dimensions, if one is actually to grow in godliness. Whitney recommends committing to a plan for learning and being intentional in keeping it. Two main ways of learning are by reading worthy books, even if only a little bit at a time, and engaging in thoughtful discussions with mature Christians to benefit from their wisdom and experience.

In his closing chapter, Whitney encourages his readers to persevere in all the disciplines. He foresees the likely objection that people are simply too busy to add spiritual disciplines to their already hectic schedules. To that concern, Whitney replies that the spiritual disciplines were intended for busy people from the beginning. The Gospel of Mark portrays Jesus as busy, always moving from one demand on his time to another and yet also intentionally carving out time to spend alone with God. Whitney states, “These Disciplines are not intended only for Christians with lots of spare time on their hands (where are they?). Rather they are the God-given means by which busy believers become like Christ” (289). Some Christians will naturally be more predisposed to building lasting habits than others, but the disciplines do not depend on one’s own qualities of willpower and grit; rather, the Holy Spirit comes alongside and empowers the believer’s practice. It is the Spirit’s presence that will produce a desire for holiness, a hunger to become more godly in one’s life and practice.

Whitney next focuses on two major aspects of perseverance in the disciplines: fellowship and struggle. With regard to fellowship, he reminds readers that Christian growth is not something that is done entirely on one’s own. The fellowship of other believers, with their own insights and spiritual gifts, is a necessary element in fostering interior growth. Further, inward spiritual growth is not even the only dimension of Christian growth to be concerned about: “Anyone who measures progress in Christlikeness only in terms of growth in his or her fellowship with God takes an incomplete measurement. Spiritual maturity also includes growth in fellowship with the children of God” (293). As each person grows individually in godliness, this will promote the overall harmony and growth of the fellowship, and such growth in the corporate fellowship then fosters greater growth in the lives of its individual members, creating a rising spiral of ongoing progress in the Christian life.

The other element Whitney mentions is struggle. Perseverance in the disciplines is not easy; in fact, Scripture regularly uses words like “labor” and “strive” to remind believers that they must work to press on in their Christian lives. Whitney advises readers to consider that they have to work against the grain of not only their own sinful nature but also the attacks and temptations of Satan. There should be no illusions that the spiritual disciplines are easy to learn and to weave into one’s life. Nevertheless, they are the appointed road to Christian growth, and the reward of learning them is a growing freedom from the chains of sin and an increasing joy in godly character.