But as we make our home in Christ and Christ abides in us, we bear fruit and become his disciples. When we are in the presence of the Spirit, we also keep in step with the Spirit and show the fruit of the Spirit in our actions. Our outer behavior matches our inner life. Spiritual disciplines such as prayer, study of Scripture, reflection on God, corporate worship, singing hymns, simplicity, witness, and service are training in godliness. 5 Such disciplines open us to a growing relationship with God and to putting ourselves more completely into the hands of God.
Disciplines are also preparation for times of testing and of suffering.
If we practice the presence of God in calmer times, we find it easier to know God's presence in difficult times. In this age, Christ in us is our hope of glory. We look forward to that time when our partial knowledge of God will become complete, and we will see face to face. Spirituality is a relatively recent term used to refer to life in the Spirit and the experience of God. These concepts all have to do with radical openness to knowing God and to doing God's will.