Very recently, I had the privileged of sharing with a new friend some of the very first steps of what they needed to do as a disciple of Jesus.
And I was delighted to see honest humility.
I've become so accustomed to people come to Grace because they want something or need to focus their lives more. Those are both legitimate needs - and God desires all of us to be fruitful. But in my opinion, there is a subtle shift that happens that we need to cautious of: are we using God to just make ourselves better? Sometimes it's obvious: I want to go to church to look good in the community. Sometimes not so obvious: my life lacks something - maybe a little God in my life will help? Both are selfish in their focus.
But with my new friend, he demonstrated a key trait of a disciple: humility - the desire to learn of God; he comes to the table assuming he brings nothing of value. I in fact, had to instruct him of his new-found status in the Kingdom: no longer a pauper, but a prince (1 Peter 2:9); not an illegitimate child, but adopted into the Family of God (Romans 8:23); no longer an enemy, but a friend (John 15:15) ... even still, he was cautious. Not craven - but a healthy reverence.
How does a Disciple mature?
I heard a statement the other day that made me remember what's most important as a Disciple of Jesus: God is not interested in what we can do for him, but what we become. Of course, our main objective is to be like his Son (Romans 8:29). But how we get there is not by attending x-number of classes or serving x-number of years in x-number of ministries. Those are used by God. But becoming more like Christ is a daily desire to be remade one step at a time as he directs.
So, how are you being remade today? Do you find yourself being challenged in areas that are uncomfortable? May the Lord give you the grace to be still and be led.
May you approach him with a teachable, reverent attitude.
May you discover the paradox that as you give more of your will to Him, you find more and more freedom!
And I was delighted to see honest humility.
I've become so accustomed to people come to Grace because they want something or need to focus their lives more. Those are both legitimate needs - and God desires all of us to be fruitful. But in my opinion, there is a subtle shift that happens that we need to cautious of: are we using God to just make ourselves better? Sometimes it's obvious: I want to go to church to look good in the community. Sometimes not so obvious: my life lacks something - maybe a little God in my life will help? Both are selfish in their focus.
But with my new friend, he demonstrated a key trait of a disciple: humility - the desire to learn of God; he comes to the table assuming he brings nothing of value. I in fact, had to instruct him of his new-found status in the Kingdom: no longer a pauper, but a prince (1 Peter 2:9); not an illegitimate child, but adopted into the Family of God (Romans 8:23); no longer an enemy, but a friend (John 15:15) ... even still, he was cautious. Not craven - but a healthy reverence.
How does a Disciple mature?
I heard a statement the other day that made me remember what's most important as a Disciple of Jesus: God is not interested in what we can do for him, but what we become. Of course, our main objective is to be like his Son (Romans 8:29). But how we get there is not by attending x-number of classes or serving x-number of years in x-number of ministries. Those are used by God. But becoming more like Christ is a daily desire to be remade one step at a time as he directs.
So, how are you being remade today? Do you find yourself being challenged in areas that are uncomfortable? May the Lord give you the grace to be still and be led.
May you approach him with a teachable, reverent attitude.
May you discover the paradox that as you give more of your will to Him, you find more and more freedom!
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