Becoming A Champion Disciple!

By Jim Hinck © 2005 All Rights Reserved.

The Christian life takes hard work, self-denial, and grueling preparation. As Christians, we are running toward our heavenly reward. The essential disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and worship equip us to run with vigor andstamina. Don't merely observe from a grandstand; don't just turn out to jog acouple of laps each morning. Train diligently - your spiritual progress depends on it.

God works in "all things" - not just isolated incidents - for our good. This does not mean that all that happens to us is good. Evil is prevalent in our fallen world, but God is able to turn every circumstance around for our long-range good.

Note that God is not working to make us happy, but to fulfill his purpose. Note also that this promise is not for everybody. It can only be claimed by those who love God and are called according to his purpose. Those who are "called"are those who the Holy Spirit convinces and enables to receive Christ. Such people have a new perspective, a new mind-set on life. They trust in God, not life's treasures; they look for their security in heaven, not on earth; they learn to accept, not resent, pain and persecution, because God is with them.

God's ultimate goal for us is to make us like Christ (1 John 3:2). As we become more and more like Christ, we discover our true selves, the persons we were created to be. How can we be conformed to Christ likeness? By reading and heeding the Word, by studying his life on earth through the Gospels, by being filled with his Spirit, and by doing his work in the world.

Christians know that there is life beyond the grave and that our life on earth is only a preparation for our life that will never end.

What you do today matters for eternity. Keeping company with those who deny the resurrection could corrupt good Christian character. Don't let your relationships with unbelievers lead you away from Christ or cause your faith to waver.
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=========================================================== Jim Hinck is writer, editor, and publisher of the Christian Basics Blog. The purpose of the Christian Basics Blog is to bring new people to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and for a closer and stronger walk with God for those that are already Christians.
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