Grow Holistically As A Disciple Of Christ
(Estella Lau, Chairperson, SHAPE; Comms and Publicity, Discipleship & Nurture)
READ:
Nehemiah 2:1-10 and Psalm 15 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In Psalms 15, the psalmist asks who may dwell in God’s sacred tent and live in His holy mountain? I recall the strict instructions that God gave Moses when He prepared the Israelites to receive the Law. “Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful that you do not approach the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain is to be put to death.” Exodus 19:12.
Indeed, in my current state of brokenness, it would be impossible for me to even touch the foot of God’s holy mountain without the Lord “breaking out” against me. It is only by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the perfect Sacrificial Lamb whose blood has made it possible for me to dwell in God’s sacred tent.
The psalmist goes on to list the characteristics of one who may dwell in God’s sacred tent – one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, is truthful, loves his neighbour, helps the poor etc, which are all the qualities embodied by Jesus Christ. I ask myself this question — As a disciple of Christ, do I emulate my Master by walking blamelessly and doing what is righteous?
Nehemiah had a prestigious job serving a powerful Persian king, but he was devoted to his true Master, walking blamelessly, praying unceasingly and obeying His commands. He had God’s heart for His people and His holy city of Jerusalem, so much so that he was willing to forsake his comfortable life to take on the tremendous task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. As a disciple of Christ, am I ready to abandon material comfort when called to serve His purpose?
APPLY
Our Emmanuel has made His dwelling in me and He has invited me to abide with Him. Christ’s desire for me is to be transformed in His likeness – to love God and one another, to obey His commandments and to be available for service. I need to be intentional in taking the next step to grow in my relationship with Jesus, to walk blamelessly and do what is righteous in His eyes.
DO
The Wesley Discipleship Model offers 5 faith environments, CORDS, which I can participate in to grow holistically as a disciple of Christ. My Spiritual Health Check scorecard has shown me the faith environment I need to work on and I am seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance to commit to an action plan to help me grow as a disciple of Christ.
PRAY
Dear Lord, forgive me for the times when I have not taken my relationship with You seriously, and have not loved You with my whole heart. Place in my heart the desire to draw closer to You and grow in maturity. You have invited me to “come and see” what is in store for me in this abundant life You have promised. Guide me as I take the next step, be it in circumstances, obedience, relationships, disciplines or service, so that I can be transformed in Your image and be Your agent of love to others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
