Why We Do It

I was reading today in my Spiritual Classics book an article by Augustine about fasting. He made a comment about how we should receive "inward joys" when we are fasting. It got me to think about why we do the spiritual disciplines that we do including reading Scripture, praying, fasting, solitude, etc...

After reflecting on this, I realized that a big reason I participate in spiritual disciplines is out of obedience so that I might be blessed. But is this the best reason to partake in a discipline? Isn't the discipline then just a means to the end of my happiness? Shouldn't I be more focused on pleasing God and enjoying the communion with my Creator therefore giving birth to my happiness as a byproduct. The end then being aimed towards God rather than myself.

Or is acting out of obedience triggered by faith simply enough? Hmmmmm.....