While your formation as an individual occurs continuously, there are some things I would like you to know that will help you understand the process and develop it to a greater level if you have the desire. Over the years I have not met many people who did not want to make their life better or achieve greater goals or objectives than they had at any moment in time. There is really nothing wrong with that, unless it becomes an obsession and/or at other people’s expense. Let’s think out loud about that for a couple minutes.
We all know that we have choices about who we are and want to be. At some point we will have a second choice about our formation as an individual – whether or not we want spiritual development along with personal development. Yes, there are two different formation processes. The good thing is they flourish best when they go hand in hand. God wants both for you –spiritual and personal formation. Formation into the person he conceived before the world was created – for such a time as this. We know this is true from the first verses in Jeremiah.
While there is a choice you make, the reality is that spiritual and personal formation should go hand in hand. If they do, they work together to ensure you are exactly who you were created to be.
Let me explain. Personal formation is: The process of defining individuals to others and themselves. It provides a person’s identity and a sense of uniqueness from others as well as continuity so there is no role confusion. Until an individual understands their behaviors (genetics) in conjunction with their mindsets (learned from their culture) they cannot differentiate themselves from others or identify where they will find joy in life.
Spiritual formation is the process of defining an individual to themselves in context of the Kingdom of God. We must know our eternal value and gifting to have a sense of peace and contentment, regardless of our state in life. I say that because we are dead spiritually unless we have been born spiritually by the Holy Spirit. IF that has not occurred we have an empty spiritual cavity that needs to be filled – therefore spiritual formation cannot occur.
So until both occur an individual will not understand themselves in the context of this or the future world. The truth is that it is impossible to have any sense of value without both. Normally, if there is structure and love, an individual can form personally. Then a choice must be made to form spiritually. If you choose not to, then you cannot grasp your position in the kingdom. Personal formation can simplify your spiritual formation. Formations processes work best when they are in sync.
I tell you all this to help you understand the key to Proverbs 16:9. Yes you can plan your course based on the knowledge of your abilities, mindsets and life connections, but God will continue to work by ordering your steps to make sure you are as diverse as possible. Continually making you deeper and richer. Remember you cannot put God in a box and He will not allow you to stay in one either. He wants you formed personally and spiritually so you can act effectively when appropriate. Without that, there will always be questions about your path and, sadly, a great lack of satisfaction and peace.
Personal formation and spiritual formation go hand in hand – and day by day. Get a head start. Start from a position of knowledge. Study your data and use it to maximize your formation.
Love Dad