In a series of posts last week, I emphasized that real transformation is possible in 2011. You can lead a Romans 12 kind of life, for your lasting joy and for God’s eternal glory. You can be everything God created you to be, if you put D.A.R.E. into wholehearted practice:
- Discernment — what is God’s will for my life?
- Adoption — making my faith my own.
- Renewal — out with the old, in with the new.
- Engagement — living for Christ, every day, everywhere.
This week, I’d like to share with you some of the practical ways we’ve encouraged the disciples at Laurel Canyon to ENGAGE the world around them in 2011. Yesterday we focused on experienced disciples of Christ. Today, new disciples.
Engaging as a New Disciple
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
What can you add, as a relatively new follower of Jesus, to this family of believers so that we can grow together to God’s glory?
- Remember the will of God, your sanctification (1 Thes 4:3-12).
- Appreciate the fact that you are in a critical period of your walk with God and that the Adversary of your soul is out to devour you (1 Pet 5:8).
- 2 Peter 1:5-11 — Make every effort to supplement:
- your faith with virtue
- your virtue with knowledge
- your knowledge with self-control
- your self-control with steadfastness
- your steadfastness with godliness
- your godliness with brotherly affection
- your brotherly affection with love
- Make an effort to learn the names of your brothers and sisters in Christ (3 John 13-15).
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions, ask for help, or ask for advice from your spiritual family (1 Cor 12:12-27).
- When (not if) you experience a period of discouragement or doubt, seek help from your brethren (1 Cor 10:12-13).
- Appreciate the fact that you are a representative of Christ and that people will be watching and listening (2 Cor 3:2).
- Joyfully contribute, as you may prosper, to the work of the church (1 Cor 16:1-2).
Are you a relatively new disciple of Jesus? Engage the world around you this week for the glory of God! “Present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom 12:1).