|
| |
What does it mean to be spiritually mature? What are the marks of growing the faith? The 16 traits listed here are things that have been worked on for centuries by those trying to be more like Christ. Seven are actions that can draw us closer to God (Authenticity, Impact/Making a Difference, Learning, Prayer, Relationships, Submitting to God, Worship).* The other nine are gifts that God offers so that we might be more like the Jesus (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control). The first are actions we take. The gifts show how willing we are to let God take leadership in our life. Each area's questions point to tangible actions that can show us the strength of that trait in our life. This guide is not to compare you with anyone else but to help you on your personal walk with the Lord.
This guide can be used in numerous ways: individually, couples, families, or by groups. I would suggest not doing more than one section a day so that you can read the questions, reflect upon them, write answers and then come back later in the day and reflect on it once again. (Note: a more intense reflection can be achieved by reading one sections each day for a week). Each of the 16 section is made up of 5-14 questions.
The second section on the page labeled: "The Next Step" is for after these times of reflection. It is made up of questions and resources to help you grow in the area. Don't move on to this section until after spending sufficient time trying to identify your strengths and weaknesses in the area through the first section's questions. The Next Step gives follow up questions as well as actions to take in order to develop the discipline or to open yourself up to Christ's working.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS TOOL IS NOT TO SEE HOW QUICKLY YOU CAN GET THROUGH IT BUT TO HELP YOU GROW, WHICH REQUIRES TIME AND ENERGY. It is designed so that it can be used multiple times in order to keep growth coming. So make it an annual journey to identify areas you want to work on to become more like Christ.
I hope that you will find this effective for moving closer to who God has made you to be.
|
|
Prayer
|
| |
Learning how to connect with God and finding the power of communicating with God.
Prayer
|
|
Learning
|
| |
Learning about God, others,and ourselves
Learning
|
|
Worship
|
| |
Worship focused on glorifying and celebrating our Lord
Worship
|
|
Relationships
|
| |
Working to deepen relationships with others and God
Relationships
|
|
Authenticity
|
| |
Authenticity so that we live with integrity reflecting our true selves and honestly admit our flaws so that we can reach higher.
Authenticity
|
|
Love
|
| |
Love is the key to what it means to follow Christ
Love
|
|
Joy
|
| |
Joy is the delight that God gives to those who come close
Joy
|
|
Peace
|
| |
Peace that comes from security and trust in God
Peace
|
|
|
Patience
|
| |
Patience as respecting what God has done for us and how we can value other
Patience
|
|
Kindness
|
| |
Kindness shown as a gift to others
Kindness
|
|
Goodness
|
| |
Goodness is being the flavoring that Christ wants us to be in this world
Goodness
|
|
Faithfulness
|
| |
Faithfulness is listening and obeying the call Christ gives to us
Faithfulness
|
|
Gentleness
|
| |
Gentleness is interacting with others with awareness of their needs and with love
Gentleness
|
|
Self-Control
|
| |
Self-Control is allowing Christ to set the boundaries of our lives and then working to obey them
Self-Control
|
|
All 16 Area Questions
|
| |
This document contains all of the questions from each of the 16 sections.
Full ? Doc
|
|
Resources for Growth
|
| |
This is the full document of follow up questions, suggestions for the next step of growth and some resources in that effort.
Full Resources
|
| |
*My thoughts on the marks of Spiritual Maturity have been influenced by the work of many including: Maxie Dunnam's "Workbook on Spiritual Disciplines", Richard Foster's "Celebration of Discipline", Gary Thomas' "Sacred Pathways", and Myra Perrine's "What's your God Language".
|
|
