The Power of Stability: Finding Spiritual Rewards in Staying Put

The Power of Staying Put

Are you feeling the itch to move on to the next big thing? Are you constantly scanning job boards or real estate listings, dreaming of a new adventure? In our fast-paced, mobile culture, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. But what if God is calling us to something different — to stay put right where we are?

The Spiritual Discipline of Stability

Stability is a spiritual discipline with a rich history in the church. In the early centuries of Christianity, monks and nuns took vows of stability, committing themselves to remain in their monastic communities for life. The Rule of St. Benedict, which has guided many monastic communities for over a thousand years, emphasizes the importance of stability as a means of spiritual growth:

“The monk should have his feet fixed in the monastery.” — Rule of St. Benedict

Stability is not just for those in religious orders, however. All Christians are called to grow in stability, or the ability to remain grounded and steadfast in our relationships, our work, and our communities. As Eugene Peterson writes in his book A Long Obedience in the Same Direction:

“Stability is not an end in itself, but a means to an end. The end is to love God and our neighbor — and stability is a necessary condition for accomplishing that end.”

The Blessings of Staying Put

Staying put may not seem glamorous or exciting, but it can bring great spiritual rewards. Here are just a few of the blessings of stability:

1. Deepening Relationships

When we stay in one place for a long time, we have the opportunity to build deep, meaningful relationships with our neighbors, coworkers, and fellow church members. We can invest in the lives of others, share our struggles and joys, and build a sense of community that is hard to achieve when we are constantly on the move.

2. Cultivating Virtues

Stability can also help us cultivate virtues such as patience, perseverance, and humility. When we stay put and face the challenges and difficulties of life in one place, we have the opportunity to grow in these areas.

3. Discovering God’s Will

When we are constantly chasing after the next big thing, it can be hard to discern God’s will for our lives. Staying put can help us quiet our hearts and listen for God’s voice. As we cultivate a deeper relationship with God through prayer and Scripture, we may discover that he has a specific calling for us right where we are.

4. Making a Difference

Finally, staying put can allow us to make a real, lasting difference in our communities. Whether it’s serving our neighbors, volunteering at a local school, or simply being a faithful presence in our workplaces, we can have a powerful impact when we commit to staying put and investing in our communities.

What About the Call to Go?

Of course, there are times when God does call us to move on to something new. Abraham was called to leave his homeland and go to a new land that God would show him. The apostle Paul traveled extensively, sharing the gospel with people throughout the Roman Empire. And there are times when God may call us to move for a new job, a new ministry opportunity, or for other reasons.

But even in those times, we can approach the call to go with a spirit of stability. As we seek God’s guidance and discernment, we can trust that he will lead us in the right direction. And when we do move, we can do so with a sense of purpose and intentionality, rather than simply chasing after the next shiny thing.

The Example of Jesus

Ultimately, our model for stability is Jesus himself. Despite the many challenges and temptations he faced, Jesus remained faithful to his mission and his calling. He lived among the people he came to serve, investing deeply in their lives and ultimately giving his life for them.

As we seek to grow in stability, we can look to Jesus as our example and our guide. We can trust that he will give us the grace and strength we need to remain grounded and steadfast in our relationships, our work, and our communities — wherever he has called us to be.

Conclusion

In a world that values mobility and change, the discipline of stability can seem countercultural. But as Christians, we are called to be in the world but not of it. We are called to be rooted and grounded in our faith, our relationships, and our communities.

Stability is not just a matter of staying in one place for a long time. It’s a matter of being fully present where we are, investing in the lives of others, and seeking God’s will for our lives. When we do that, we can experience the many blessings of stability and grow in our love for God and our neighbor.

So if you’re feeling the itch to move on to the next big thing, take a moment to pause and consider whether God might be calling you to stay put. You may be surprised at the spiritual power and rewards that come from committing to stability.

References

• Peterson, Eugene H. A Long Obedience in the Same Direction. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000.


• The Rule of St. Benedict, trans. Timothy Fry, OSB. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1981.