Ministers Desk 2 September 2012

What are some marks of a growing disciple of Jesus Christ?  The answer to this is essentially an inner attitude of surrender and transformation to the work of the Holy Spirit.  However, this inner reality can be indicated through some outward signs.  For the past two weeks I have been sharing with you twelve of these signs, as they have been expressed by author and pastor Gordon MacDonald.  If you have not read these, or would like a complete copy of the twelve, please contact the church office.  This week I offer a further two signs as written by Gordon MacDonald.

“Builds healthy, reciprocal human relationships. He is faithful to friends, and (if married) affectionate, attentive, and servant-like to a spouse, and (if a parent) patient and nurturing to his children.

“Such a one is swift to admit when he is wrong, to forgive when offended, to offer support when another is in need. Perhaps the bottom line is simply this: we are talking about a person in whom others delight because, wherever he goes, he brings "loads of Christ" with him.

 “Can I personalise this? Once, someone said to me, "Imagine standing before your Maker and hearing this question: 'Have you supported your wife's efforts to become the woman God meant her to be?' For the transformed Christian, this question is relevant to all key relationships. The fact is that most people grow a bit whenever they are in the company of a transformed Christ-follower.”

“Knows how to engage the larger world where faith is not necessarily understood. Some of his personal choices and convictions on living may not appeal to those outside the edges of his faith, but those who know him usually accept his "peculiarities" because this Christ-follower brings cheer, stability, and energy. Admittedly, there are times when a person of faith will be despised, but hopefully there are more times when he is valued as an asset (not a parasite) to his "world."

“It has not gone unnoticed that the temptation of modern church life is to draw its people into the church's programs and away from influential contact with the community.

“A transforming Christian is likely to resist this gravitational pull. He will pursue friendships with people who walk in other spiritual pathways. He will make contributions to the greater community, especially those that bring equity and relief to struggling people.

“In short he will not be absorbed into religious institutionalism.

“Could I also add here that the transformed Christian does not allow the beauty and the stimulus of the larger world. He is mindful of artistic and cultural experiences. He maintains an informed, even prayerful, view of local and national affairs.

“And he is aware of where history is going and what it takes to hand on a new and improved world to the generation that will replace him.”

Please forgive the non-inclusive writing, it’s his not mine.