Skills

It’s entirely possible to receive the gift of salvation yet miss out on fully becoming the person God intended. This is where effort comes into play. We don’t earn God’s love or our place in His kingdom, but we do need to apply ourselves to grow and transform.

So, what does this look like practically? There are five key skills that form the foundation of a disciple’s life:

1. Gather Purposefully: It’s not just about showing up to church, but coming with intention – to worship, learn, and connect with God’s people. We prioritize gathering, even when we don’t feel like it, understanding that consistent community shapes us.

2. Connect Deeply: We were created for relationship – with God and others. This often happens through small groups or intentional friendships where we’re willing to be vulnerable and ask for help when needed. It’s a skill that requires practice and overcoming our natural tendency towards self-sufficiency.

3. Give Generously: The Bible speaks about money more than it does about heaven and hell combined. Why? Because our relationship with money deeply affects our spiritual health. Tithing (giving the first 10% of our income) isn’t about earning God’s favor, but about freeing our hearts from the grip of materialism and aligning our priorities with God’s kingdom.

4. Serve Selflessly: When we serve others, we’re not just meeting needs; we’re becoming more like Jesus. Every act of service, whether it’s in children’s ministry or hospitality, shapes our character and aligns us with Christ’s example of servanthood.

5. Influence Daily: Making disciples isn’t reserved for pastors or missionaries – it’s the calling of every believer. This doesn’t mean awkward, forced evangelism. Instead, it’s about being attuned to the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of those around us and using our influence to point people towards Christ in natural, loving ways.

Developing these skills requires consistent effort, much like an athlete or musician who practices daily to improve their craft. We don’t suddenly master these areas; it’s a lifelong journey of growth and refinement.

It’s important to recognize a common pitfall in this process. Over time, we can start to believe that our efforts mean we’ve earned our place in God’s family. This attitude leads to looking down on others who don’t seem to be trying as hard. We must constantly remind ourselves that while effort is crucial for growth, it doesn’t negate the fact that our salvation and acceptance are purely gifts from God.

The beauty of this journey is that we’re not alone in our efforts. The Holy Spirit meets us in our striving, empowering us to become more like Christ. Our effort creates space for God to work in our hearts, leading to genuine transformation.

So, how do we begin? Start small. Don’t try to overhaul your entire life overnight. Choose one area to focus on:

• Commit to attending church regularly and engaging fully when you’re there.
• Join a small group or reach out to form deeper connections with fellow believers.
• Start giving consistently, even if it’s a small amount, to practice generosity.
• Find a place to serve in your local church or community.
• Look for opportunities to naturally share your faith journey with others.

Remember, becoming who God created you to be is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to keep showing up, even when progress feels slow.

As we embrace this journey of becoming, we’ll find that the effort we invest yields rich rewards. We’ll experience deeper intimacy with God, more meaningful relationships, and a sense of purpose that comes from living in alignment with our Creator’s design.

So, let’s run this race with intention, applying effort not to earn God’s love, but to fully realize the potential He’s placed within us. In doing so, we’ll discover the joy of becoming who we were always meant to be.