Are You Growing? Part 1

Sep 25

I shared Six Marks of a Growing Christian in the September issue of THRIVE, my monthly enewsletter of spiritual encouragement. You can read it at https://www.poppysmith.com/thrive/2012/2012sept.htm They come from a challenging article by Gordon McDonald in Leadership Journal. Here’s the link if you want to read the full piece: http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2012/summer/transformedchristian.html

Here are three more signs from McDonald of a Christian who is being transformed…

Is aware of a personal “call” and unique competencies. They realize it’s not about me but about what’s been entrusted to me and what can be offered to others! The transforming Christ-follower believes they have a mission—and can usually say what it is! Do you? Are you aware of what you love to do for the Lord? Do you, or your friends, recognize you have a spiritual gift that blesses others and gives you joy?

Is merciful and generous. Like Barnabas who encouraged Paul and the early Christians at Antioch, do you look for people to support and affirm as they follow Christ? Are you generous with your praise, lavish with mercy, refusing to judge or crush someone’s spirit?

Appreciates that suffering is part of faithfulness to Jesus. “Count it all joy (if you suffer),” writes James. “He has given you the privilege to suffer for him,” writes Paul. “Everything I know that’s important (says a friend of McDonald’s) I learned in suffering.” Suffering comes from many sources—even our own stupid mistakes. But whatever its source, the transforming believer does not complain, seek pity, become embittered. Rather he listens; trusts; offers his experience to benefit others.

Look at these three marks of a transforming Christian, (note, not transformed. That won’t happen fully until we are with Christ). Which one is the Holy Spirit emphasizing to you today? To comment, respond below. Watch for the last three challenges in my next blog—and be sure to sign up to receive Thrive and for updates for this blog so you can receive them both on a regular basis.Blessings,