Building A Rule Of Life

“A rule of life is a schedule and set of practices and relational rhythms that help us create space in our busy world for us to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.”— John Mark Comer, Practicing the Way

In a commencement speech he gave in 2014 at the University of Texas, Austin, Admiral William H. McRaven offered a simple rule of life: "If you want to change the world, start by making your bed." 

He went on to say: 

If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.

I have to admit, I have not been the best at making my bed every day until the last few months, and now I can proudly say that this one aspect of a rule of life does seem to have an effect on me.  

But what is a "rule of life," anyway?  What other things could we add to a rule of life that could be the spiritual equivalent of making your bed?  And does your bed need to be made so well that it looks like an ad for beds, or can it be just slightly made?   

First, I get it.  The phrase “rule of life” may sound rigid, but its ancient meaning is surprisingly beautiful.

The word rule comes from the Latin regula, referring to a guide or framework. Think of a trellis supporting a vine. The trellis doesn't produce grapes. It simply creates the structure that allows the vine to flourish.

A rule of life does something similar for our souls.

Daniel provides a wonderful biblical example. When his life was thrown into crisis, Scripture tells us that he continued praying three times each day, “just as he had done previously” (Daniel 6:10).

Those final words matter.

Daniel did not suddenly develop a prayer life when trouble came. His practices had already shaped him. When the crisis arrived, he simply continued living according to rhythms established long before.

Jesus did the same. Luke tells us that “he would withdraw to deserted places and pray” (Luke 5:16). Prayer wasn't something Jesus squeezed into his schedule when convenient. It was woven into the rhythm of his life.

We all have a rule of life, whether we've intentionally created one or not.

Our calendars reveal it.

Our habits reinforce it.

Our attention follows it.

The question is whether those rhythms are forming the life we actually want.

A rule of life doesn't need to be complicated. Perhaps yours begins with five minutes of silence each morning, worship each week, regular exercise, a Sabbath afternoon, time with people you love, and an evening practice of gratitude.

These practices won't make God love you more.

They simply create space for you to notice the God who already does.

Start small.

Build rhythms that give your soul room to breathe.

Then trust God with the growth.

A holy life needs rhythms that make room for what matters most.

Prayer

God of every moment, help me create rhythms that make space for you. Show me which habits bring life and which leave my soul hurried or empty. Give me wisdom to build patterns of prayer, rest, relationships, worship, and service that keep me rooted in your love. May the shape of my days increasingly reflect the desires of my heart. Amen.

Reflection Questions

1. What do your current daily rhythms reveal about what receives most of your attention?
2. Which spiritual practice helps you feel most grounded in God's presence?
3. What one small rhythm could you intentionally add to your life this week?