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

Ses s i on 5: Cu l t i vat i ng Our Charac ter : The Outward Di sc i p l i nes 229

2 Cor. 3.18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Rom. 8.29 For those whom he

A. Connection to your personal discipleship

1. Regarding my own cultivation of simplicity, am I controlled by things and the pursuit of more things? How much of my time and efforts are given to getting the latest gadget, the newest thing, the newer model?

2. Do I spend anytime alone before the Lord in silence? When is the last time I took time off to be alone before the Lord? In my walk with God do I listen as much as I comment? In what ways do I need to retreat with others in order to build up my faith in Christ? 3. Am I a submissive person, that is, must I always have and get my way in the various things I encounter? How secure am I in my ability to let my leaders direct my life in the ways they see fit? What are my current attitudes toward those that God has placed over me – on the job, in the church, in the government? What is my greatest challenge in learning to be a more submissive person in reverence to Christ? 4. Am I stingy? Do I hoard my time and possessions from those who need it most? Have I ever sought to justify my selfishness by “blaming the victims,” i.e., those people who needed my help but didn’t “deserve it” because of their own sinfulness? Are all of my acts of kindness only given to relatives, friends, and family, without sharing with those who, as Jesus said, cannot “repay” the kindness?