Growing as a Christian

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Salvation is a beginning, not an end. Peter says: "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2). Growth happens through ordinary habits [10].

Read the Bible

Start with the Gospel of John, then Mark, Acts, and Romans. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). Read slowly, ask what the passage says, what it means, and how to respond.

Pray

Prayer is simply talking to God. Jesus taught: "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name" (Matthew 6:9). Paul writes: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7), and, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Remain Close to Christ

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5). The Christian life is not self-improvement by willpower but dependence on Christ's life within. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me" (Galatians 2:20).

Deal with Sin Honestly

Believers still sin, and when they do, the answer is the same: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us" (1 John 1:9). John adds: "if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1).

Expect Change

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" (Galatians 5:22-23). Growth is gradual, and Paul describes being "transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). Dietrich Bonhoeffer warned against "cheap grace," meaning forgiveness without discipleship, and insisted that the grace that saves also summons us to follow [11].

Serve and Witness

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Peter says to "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15). Share your story gently and honestly.

A Simple Daily Rhythm

John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress pictures the Christian life as a journey, with burdens lost at the cross, hills, valleys, and companions along the way [12]. The path is long, but the Guide is faithful.

CHAPTER 11