If you and I were to spend any length of time talking about what it means to be a Christian, while I am keen to hear the story of how your faith journey began, I would be equally interested in how your life is actively being formed by following Jesus. For us to have a conversation about formation or following, we would need to discuss disciplines. You know, those things you may not always wish to do, but do so because your desire to become more like Jesus is your over-arching passion in life. A passion which ebbs and flows, but one that is persistent nonetheless.
I love the simplicity of how a church in Portland, Oregon, Bridgetown Church, has distilled this overarching passion.
A disciple of Jesus means you re-organize your life around three aims:
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Be with Jesus.
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Become like Jesus.
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Do what Jesus did.
So let’s spend a moment together. With permission, here are seven questions we would walk through to discover how your following Jesus is genuinely flowing these days. As you think, journal, or prayerfully reflect on these questions, I pray the Holy Spirit leads and really guides you in your reflections. Because, what is true of each of us, is we are all being formed and shaped. However, not everything influencing us is doing so in the way of Jesus. Come, Holy Spirit, speak to our hearts and change our lives by God’s grace and truth.
Now, let’s get to those seven questions:
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What does it mean for you to follow Jesus?
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How do you spend time with Jesus?
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Where is the enemy at work in your life?
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Are you honest with who and what is actively forming your life?
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Do you know your spiritual gifts?
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Who knows you? Really knows you? Whom do you know and trust?
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What is the Holy Spirit at work on in your life?
Your turn: As you reflect on the above seven questions, what has the Holy Spirit spoken into your heart or has revealed you need to change in your life by God’s grace and truth? Share your thoughts in the comment box below. We would love to hear from you. Thank you!!
