A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

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A Compe l l i ng Tes t imony

discipline which is the key to power, maturity, and excellence. The inability to follow orders joyfully remains one of the critical reasons for personal and group mediocrity in numerous settings in our lives and societies.

5. Cultivating generosity, kindness, and hospitality are a significant part of the maturing character of both the disciple of Christ and the assembly of God. We are to demonstrate the humble service of our Lord in all things, from the smallest acts of kindness to individuals to the largest projects in response to disaster, calamity, and need.

6. Regardless of where we are currently in the expression of these disciplines, we can grow as we apply our hearts to God under the direction of the Spirit by faith. We will reap if we do not give up.

VI. Connections for Urban Ministry Today

In the world of academics there is a specialty known by many as, cramming. It is the practice of procrastinating on studies until the last possible moment. When that day of reckoning arrives the coffee pot is stoked and we strap ourselves to the desk for an all night journey with our books. Cramming is a phenomenon unknown to the agricultural world. Farmers don’t cram. They can’t delay planting crops in the spring then hit the ground really hard in the fall. If a harvest is expected in the fall then planned and scheduled procedures must take place throughout the year. Maybe that is why Jesus used so many agricultural illustrations. Spiritual growth and maturity doesn’t come like grades that are salvaged by intensive periods of last minute cramming. Christlikeness comes from a lifetime spent with the Savior, not a night of cramming for sainthood.

~ The 7 Habits Report . Fall 1991. p. 5.

Answer the following questions openly and honestly about the dimensions of discipline covered in this session, relating them both to your personal walk with and witness to Christ where you live.