The Crossway Podcast How (and How Not) to Think About Spiritual Habits in the New Year (Matthew Bingham)
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Dec 29, 2025 Matthew Bingham, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Phoenix Seminary, shares his insights on forming spiritual habits in the new year. He defines a 'rule of life' as practices that shape our entire being, emphasizing the importance of integrating ancient wisdom into modern faith. Bingham warns against the dangers of a 'biohacking' mindset in spiritual growth and cautions against unbiblical practices. He advocates for a gospel-centered approach, encouraging simple, prayerful routines that deepen our connection to Scripture and grace.
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Holistic Yearning Behind The Trend
- People pursue rules of life partly because they crave a holistic, embodied faith that connects mind, body, and community.
- That impulse often responds to cultural rootlessness and a desire for ancient, stable practices.
Learn From The Past, Apply Locally
- Look to Christians who went before you and learn wise, rooted practices, but filter them through your present context.
- Consider where God placed you and adapt ancient wisdom to serve faithfully in your culture and situation.
Don't Expect A Perfect Program
- Avoid treating spiritual formation like a life-hack that guarantees perfect results by dialing knobs.
- Remember the fallen condition means discipline won't remove all difficulty or guarantee instant transformation.
