At my church, we’re going through these classes called Life Journey Classes. They’re divided into five 3 hour sessions:
- Rescue 101 – My commitment to Jesus…
Jesus came, “To Save what was Lost.” – Luke 19:10
“Whoever enters through Me (Jesus) will be Saved.” – John 10:9 - Connect 201 – My commitment to my local church family…
“Love one another…As I have loved you.” – John 13:34
“They devoted themselves…to the Fellowship.” – Acts 2:42 - Grow 301 – My commitment to grow…
“Teaching them to Obey everything…” – Matt. 28:20
“Walk as Jesus did.” – John 2:6 - Serve 401 – My commitment to serve…
“Not…to be served, but to Serve…” – Matt. 10:28
“To prepare God’s people for works of service…” – Eph. 4:12 - Reach 501 – My commitment to reach others with Jesus…
“Go and make disciples…” – Matt. 28:19
“I will make you fishers of men.” – Matt. 4:19
Last night we went through Grow 301, and I walked away realizing that I’m not where I need to be. It’s so easy for me to walk around thinking that I’m an uber-Christian because I’ve got all these verses memorized and I know the right answers and what you’re supposed to do. The problem is that I often don’t do it.
Oh, I’m a “good” person – by worldly standards. But often, my attitude is so far removed from being godly that I’m surprised the lighting hasn’t struck yet.
I’ve written before on Spiritual Maturity, so you would think that I would be closer to losing the immaturity that plagues me. But I’m not. If Spiritual Maturity is being like Christ, then I have a long long long way to go.
There are seven habits of a disciple (someone who is a learner, student, a follower of Jesus):
- Worship: Living each moment of life in a way to please God, not self or others.
- Daily Time with God: Daily time alone with God
- Bible: Reading and listening to what God is saying to you.
- Prayer: Talking to God.
- Giving: Giving back to God my first and best.
- Fellowship: Spending time with and enjoying God’s family.
- Serving: Doing my part to serve Jesus and others.
I was appalled and ashamed to realize that of those seven habits, I consistently practice only one. I feel hypocritical owning a blog called Imago Dei (Image of God) when I’m so clearly not living as an image of God.
Oh sure, plenty of people think that I’m this great godly woman because I have half a Bible in my brain, I go to church, I attend two small groups, and I work for a Christian organization. But it doesn’t matter what people think. The reality is that all that matters is what God thinks. And I fall woefully short.
This is a public declaration of my commitment to grow more like Christ in my words, thoughts, and actions.
Recognizing where you are at with God is 2/3 of the battle, now just execute, execute, execute.
I know sometimes it is not easy, but i will pray for you, and if you pray for me we will make it.
Keep pressing onward!
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I’d say it’s only 1/3. The next third is setting yourself good targets and planning out how you’re going to achieve them. Execution is the final third.
Most people miss out the middle third. This explains a lot.
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That’s because I have it set to moderate comments with links.
I’ll check the queue and see if your original comment is there.
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i think we all fall short when it comes to God and his expectations. if we didn’t than we’d BE God, not straving to be God-like.
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[...] are, of course, talking about spiritual maturity. I just had to laugh because of what I posted yesterday. This is a reoccurring theme in my life right now. Evidently, I’m pretty far from being [...]
Amanda, what a beautiful post. I can see the Lord smiling on you! I’ve been convicted of the same ideas, lately. Of those areas you mentioned, I do about three of them, but out of habit, not out of adoration for Christ. If my awe of him is not the motivation for these things, they’re worthless.
I’m very glad you made a public declaration of your commitment! Find a good accountability partner and grow! I’m excited to hear about where God’s going to take you soon.
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Amanda, you have continued to grow since we first met, and so I have no doubts about your striving to fulfill that commitment and that you will hold yourself accountable. You’re always in my prayers, sister, but doubly so tonight about this re-charged and re-fired objective.
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Thanks, to all of you.
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[...] week I made a commitment here to grow more like Christ in thoughts, words, and actions. The next day I started a [...]