Fresh on the heels of two posts about journaling (Write The Truth About Grace, Parts 1 and 2), I ran across these words by D.A. Carson yesterday, which provide a very helpful way to think about journaling (or any other spiritual practice, for that matter):

“How deceived we humans are when it comes to matters religious. So many things that start off as incentives to repentance and godliness develop into vicious idols. What starts as an aid to holiness ends up as the triple trap of legalism, self-righteousness, and superstition.

“So it somethings is with other forms of religious observance or spiritual discipline.  One may with fine purpose and good reason start “journaling” as a discipline that breeds honesty and self-examination, but it can easily slide into the triple trap; in your mind you so establish journaling as the clearest evidence of personal growth and loyalty to Christ that you look down your nose at those who do not commit themselves to the same discipline, and pat yourself on the back every day that you maintain the practice (legalism); you begin to think that only the most mature saints keep journals, so you qualify–and you know quite a few who do not (self-righteousness); you begin to think that there is something in the act itself, or in the paper, or in the writing, that is a necessary means of grace, a special channel of divine pleasure or truth (superstition). That is the time to throw away your journal.”  D.A. Carson, For The Love Of God, Volume 2, entry for June 26.

Is Dr. Carson saying that a Christian shouldn’t keep a journal?  Not for a minute.  He is saying that there is a risk: a risk that journaling (or giving, or fasting, etc.) might be done for the wrong reasons.  Like gratifying our proud sense of accomplishment, or leaving us feeling superior to others, or feeling that our actions have earned us God’s favor in some degree.  But that’s not why we keep a journal.

A journal is simply a tool to help us grow in godliness.  It is a means to an end: to know God better, to love Him more, and to measure ourselves rightly by God’s Word.   Let’s use the tool the right way, and grow in our love for Jesus Christ.

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