Last Sunday I went to church with my team and our contact Bishop Moses spoke in the marks of a good Christian. There were five marks or points that he spoke on. Being humble and gentle, being generous, living a holy life, always having the testimony of Christ on our lips, and loving people genuinely. It was such a great sermon and grabbed me right away and didn't let go until it was finished.
To be Humble and Gentle. I have a hard time being humble and gentle all the time. I've been feedback multiple times able my harsh tone. The Lord is working in me to be a more humble and GENTLE person. The thing that got me the most though was when Bishop Moses said that a Christian who is living for Christ no longer has the RIGHT to be arrogant or violent. I know I sometimes feel arrogant. I think I know what's right and what's wrong and I've been quick to let you know if you are wrong. Christ doesn't need me to set you straight. Thats why He sent the Holy Spirit.
So Holy Spirit please continue to teach me to be humble and gentle with your people.
The second mark of a good Christian is being Generous. Yet another one I struggle with from time to time. For me the hard part in being generous without being praised for it. I used to love giving out of the pride I felt when someone thanked me. It was shallow feeling and always left me quickly. The Lord has been changing my attitude towards being generous. That when I give something it's not really me giving but Him. That any praise or glory is due only to Him. He is the one who provided so that it could be given. Holy Spirit teach me to be generous with your people.
The third mark of being a good Christian is Live a Holy Life.
Boy do I fall short in this one! I get caught up in the world so easily. I choose watching TV, or playing a card game or any other kind of entertainment before I choose to spend any amount of time with Christ. I've used my words to hurt people, and my actions too. What does it really mean to live a holy life? I wish I had a set rule to share with you but I don't. I think the essence of living a holy life is to seek after God with all your mind, heart, and soul. To seek first the will of God and to be willing to follow no matter the cost. I know I won't know His will if I'm not seeking Him each day.
Holy Spirit please put a a hunger and thrust for you in me each day!
The forth mark is always have a Testimony of Christ on your Lips.
On the Race this seems easier. We always are talking about what God is doing in each of us. But back home I could go a full week without talking to anyone about Christ. Even when given an opportunity to share His love with someone. This one is my biggest challenge. The area I need the most growth in. Holy Spirit give me your words! Let Your testimony pour from my lips!
The last mark is Love Genuinely.
This one seemed easy to me until the World Race. Back home I could love someone well and leave to go back to my own home or space. I could give someone a hug or a gift and then have space to recharge to be able to love again. You see the problem there? It was my own love, my strength, not Christ's. Being the Race also has given me the challenge of loving genuinely at ALL times. I am never alone or without someone whom I can love genuinely. To love genuinely though I need to first put myself aside, invite Christ to be the center and let His Love pour out through me. My own love is corrupt and selfish. His Love through me is pure and life giving.
Holy Spirit fill me with Your Love for Your people, that they would know You by Your Love poured out through me. I am an empty vessel waiting to be filled.
I was challenged by the Holy Spirit during that sermon. I was called up to let go of my own ideas of what it means to be a good Christian. To follow the Spirits leading for my life. I know I can do all things through Christ who is my strength. With Him nothing is impossible!
Take time to pray today and ask for the Holy Spirit to reveal to you want areas you need work in, or where you are doing well. Ask for Him to lead you in your walk with Christ to bring more depth and growth. Trust me those prayers won't come back void! Your Father wants to give you GOOD gifts and to have a more interesting relationship with you than just a coffee date on Sunday morning. This trip has helped me grow by being more dependent on my Father than on myself or my friends and family. I'm starting to have dinner dates with Jesus, and breakfast, and a snack, and I still get to have my coffee date on Sunday.
