Page 56 - In His Image

oriented values, goals, perspectives, activities and relationships.
 Disciples mature into having a changed worldview, attributable to a
deeper comprehension of the true meaning and impact of Christianity.
Truth becomes an entirely Holy Spirit driven reality to a disciple.
Pursuing those truths becomes the disciples' lifelong quest.

If you wonder how you are doing is a disciple, and as a disciple maker, consider the
following ten simple questions:
1. Are you certain that your eternal salvation has been determined by your
confession of sins and your acceptance of Christ's gift of forgiveness?
2. Do you consistently obey Jesus' teachings?
3. Do you always love other people in practical ways, especially fellow
followers of Christ?
4. Have you put the attractions and distractions of this world in their proper
place and focused on knowing, loving and serving God?
5. Do you carry the burdens of following Jesus with joy?
6. Do you live in such a way as to show others what the Christian life looks
like?
7. Do you relate to other Christians consistently, in a spiritual setting and
with spiritual purposes?
8. Are you sharing your faith in Christ with those who have not embraced Him
as their Savior?
9. Are you helping other believers to grow spiritually?
10. Do you consistently seek guidance from God in all you do?

It is interesting to notice the very different characteristics of Jesus' disciples.
Discipleship is about becoming devoted and mature followers of Jesus; it is not
about becoming clones. Christianity does not require us to become bland, uniform,
or one dimensional beings. We were able to maintain our unique characteristics
which were given to us by God Himself. What God truly wants is to transform us
from people who are self-focused, to people focusing on Him. Once that transition
is underway, He provides ways to use how distinctive qualities and gifts for His
purposes.

Because serving people is such a crucial dimension of spiritual maturity and
discipleship, churches should help people grow by providing them opportunities to
meet the needs of others. One of the great, and underutilized benefits of the
church

In His Image 47