|
If you have taken the first step and become a Christian, fantastic! For many men, though, that is as far as their life in Christ goes. Satisfied that their eternal future is secure, they simply sail through life paying lip service to Christ. They may be good men, perhaps even great men, but the eternal significance of their actions is small.
If have been one of these men, you remain a part of God’s army. The challenge for you is to shake off the fatigue of daily life and rise up to take the second step in your walk. To take the second step you must become not just a convert to Christianity, but a disciple of Christ.
Believers who take this next step take time to understand their faith, learn how to share that faith with others and develop basic spiritual practices that will follow them throughout their lives. To take this step you must be willing to develop some spiritual discipline, learn about scripture and prayer, and start the process of integrating God into your daily life.
Why do you need to take this step?
If you stepped out onto a basketball court for the first time, you wouldn’t expect to be able to play well without first learning the mechanics of ball handling and understanding the rules of the game. The same holds true of your walk with Christ, you will not be as effective for Him without taking this second step. Taking this step also ensures that you are well equipped to take your third and final step.
Where do I go to be discipled?
The Out of the Wild ministry will shortly have material available for you to download that will help your walk in Christ become more mature. Until such a time, there are plenty of other resources that are available to you. We have provided links to a couple of them below. We would also encourage you to visit your local Bible-based church to locate study groups for new believers.
Campus Crusade For Christ - 10 Basic Steps Towards Spiritual Maturity
NavPress - Design for Discipleship
|
Becoming a disciple of Christ sounds intimidating to many men. We picture monks, priests and pastors that dedicate every waking moment to prayer and scripture reading.
The truth is, becoming a disciple of Christ has more to do with your heart and actions than it does your memory of scripture and ability to pray for hours on end. While on earth, Jesus Christ was a man of action and if you are to follow Him, that is what you will become as well.
Scripture IS important and so is prayer, but they are the starting points for your walk.
- Take time each day to read from the Bible. You do not need to set aside hours. If you are not used to this practice, simply read one passage each day and take 10-15 minutes to REALLY think about it and how it can be applied to your life.
- Take time each day to pray. Don't let your prayers become stale and routine, really talk to God.
- Find an opportunity to serve others so that you are putting your faith in action! This could be anything. Mowing the neighbor's grass, helping in a homeless kitchen, picking up groceries for an elderly person. The important thing is that you are attaching an action to your words.
- Learn from other Christian man and seek God's will for your life.
Sign up below to get our devotions emailed to you each week.
|