"Growing For Christ" Napkin

Dr. Jon Shuler shared 6 essential for Christian growth.  They are so basic and I was trying think of a way to remember them when I am meeting with people our over coffee or a meal.  If it fits on a napkin I can remember it so here we go....

As a new or young Christian everyone wants to grow closer to Christ.  There are six key essentials to making sure you are growing and they all are about 3 relationships.  To help you remember this,  think of the phrase "Growing For Christ" and the 3 letters GFC.

The first relationship we need to tend to is God.  As you have already asked Him into your life, now one must keep talking with Him.  Any time is fine, but many set aside time for prayer in morning or at night.  Thank Him, praise Him and tell him your concerns.  But also learn to sit quietly before Him that He might inspire your thoughts and speak to your heart.  The second essential is get in the habit of doing a personal Bible study.  Start small but think regularly.  This is often how God speaks to His people today.  Your heart will often leap when the Spirit speaks to you directly through His word.  It is never too soon to start memorizing verses that speak to you.

The second relationship is with Christian Friends who know Jesus.  It is essential to begin meeting with a small group of Christians who are praying and studying the Word together.  It is best to meet weekly.  Some meet in a home, others at churches, while some meet at a coffee shop.  Talking about your faith with others will help you grow in leaps and bounds. Next find a mentor.  One person, usually of the same gender, whom you see is following Christ.  If you want to grow, sitting at the feet of a mature trusted Christian will put your growth process on fast forward.

The third and final relationship for growth is with a Church.  Find a fellowship that meets regularly near your home that honors God's Word.  Attend several times first but make a commitment to membersip soon.  The fifth essential to growing for Christ is to worship regularly.  You will be blessed but more importantly you will enter into what you were made to do, which is to give glory and praise to God.  This is a critical environment for your growth.  Finally, you must practice generous giving from the start.  You can not out give God, but in response to all He has done for you, He asked us to give of our time, talents and treasures.  People who give grow.