THE SIX LIFESTYLE MARKS

Areas of expectation for the growing follower of Christ

Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. I Timothy 4:7b-8

Growing followers...

Learning: Are actively engaged in Biblical study and education

Abiding: Actively participate in personal spiritual disciplines and corporate worship

Serving: Apply their spiritual gifts in ministry

Relating: Are actively involved in a small group

Reaching: Are active in sharing their faith

Giving: Live a life of Biblical stewardship

1. Learning: Growing followers are actively engaged in Biblical study and education

Stronger and deeper faith is the direct result of time spent studying God's word and applying it to our lives, for it is there that God makes known not only Himself, but His intentions for us as well. Because of that, weekly opportunities to grow in our understanding of God through Scripture -- such as a small group Bible study or an Adult Sunday school class -- are crucial ingredients in a growing faith.

We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better. Colossians 1:9-10 (NLT)

2. Abiding: Growing followers actively participate in personal spiritual disciplines and corporate worship

Gathering weekly for worship with other members of God's family is a cornerstone of the Christian life, giving us opportunity to encounter God in such a way that we see what He is worth and give Him what He is worth. Personal spiritual disciplines are equally important to our continued growth in Christlikeness as we seek God and His heart through prayer, the study of God's word and committing it to memory, and places of solitude and silence where God can meet us.

Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:16-17 (NLT)

3. Serving: Growing followers apply their spiritual gifts in ministry

Ministry is the work of the whole body, and God has given to each one of us gifts to carry out that ministry. In order to further the Kingdom, each of us has the privilege -- and responsibility -- of discovering our God-given gifts, developing them, and putting them into action through particular ministries in our church, our community, and our world.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:5-8

4. Relating: Growing followers are actively involved in a small group

We cannot help but grow when we get together regularly with other followers of Christ. That is why small groups are a non-negotiable feature of the Christian life. Small groups flesh out the ministry of the church in the lives of individuals, offering a setting in which the church can really be the church. Relationships of mutual care and encouragement are a God-given means for our growing Christlikeness and give to longtime members and newcomers alike an important sense of belonging.

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

5. Reaching: Growing followers are active in sharing their faith in a way that is relevant to their setting and faithful to their gifts and personality

If we are seeking to live for Christ and to make the Kingdom of God our primary concern -- as we are urged to in Matthew 6:33 -- we will share our faith with those whom God places around us. But we need not share our faith in confrontational and insensitive ways; we are called to a compelling blend of words and actions that will leave people wanting to know more. That means reaching out in natural ways to those in our circle of influence, building relationships with those we believe to be outside of a relationship with Christ, and making the most of every opportunity to talk about our love for and commitment to Jesus Christ.

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6

6. Giving: Growing followers live a life of Biblical stewardship

A steward is a servant who makes faithful use of everything that has been entrusted to him, using the resources at his disposal with just one thought in mind: to please his master and accomplish his purposes. The Bible uses the picture of a steward to describe us as followers and encourages us to invest our money in the things of the Kingdom, giving our money generously both to meet the needs of those whom God has placed around us and to fulfill God's intentions in our midst.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. I Timothy 6:17-19