(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
Colossians 3:10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
Professional athletes know the kind of training required for their sport. Even non-professionals who challenge themselves to a major goal (running a marathon, learning to scuba dive, hiking the Grand Canyon) know that time, energy, and finances will be required for them to achieve their goal. But with enough time and energy, major goals can be achieved.
This is where the topic of Discipleship becomes challenging for some followers of Jesus. We can fall into the trap of thinking, But I will always have growth areas. I will always fall short of perfection. I can train, and train, and train, and train, and still have more training to do!
Indeed, this is true. But in the new family of Jesus, our Discipleship isn’t about what we do for God (including all that training). Instead, real discipleship is a never-ending exploration of the love of God. As Paul writes in Colossians 3:10, you are invited to know your creator and be like Him. The more you explore His love, the more you become like Him.
READING & PRAYERS:
COLOSSIANS 3:5-11, 1 JOHN 4:7-12, ROMANS 8:35-39, ROMANS 5:7-8, ISAIAH 54:10 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: Does thinking of your own discipleship as a “never ending exploration of the love of God” cause you to think about discipleship differently?
DIGGING DEEPER: What are some ways you like to explore (exploring outdoors, exploring a new hobby, exploring a new recipe, exploring new friendships, etc.)? How might some of the time you spend with God be different if it’s used to more deeply explore the depths of His love for you?
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Today, write out your own prayer to God. Take your time, focussing on the never-ending depth of the love of God. Thank Him for how it has changed You. And ask Him to help you explore new ways to experience it.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence.)
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