Growth into maturity for the believer starts from the inside and will work outwardly. Worldly 'growth', by contrast is measured outwardly in terms of external success through wealth, career and popularity. Growth for the believer, by contrast, is about becoming like Jesus Christ in terms of His character and influence. The Holy Spirit will help the believer both identity and actualise his person hood in Christ. Believers are also charged with helping one another to grow in Christ. The apostle Paul said that he wanted "to present every man perfect (complete) in Christ". This is what discipleship is all about.
Jesus gave a new commandment to believers that "you love one another as I have loved you that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for none another." (John 13:34-35) Influence is in essence defined by the love that believers have for one another. Influence is not defined by a program of good works but is defined by the evidence of love expressed between believers. It is a fact that the world will quickly point out where and when there is the apparent absence of love between believers. A watching world may read about Christian values but it is not until these values are incarnated that they carry the weight of Godly and Christlike influence in our world.
A medical missionary was relating to some friends how African people would often walk past government clinics and travel many miles further to the missionary clinic. The missionary asked a group of African patients why they did this when in fact the medicines were the same at both clinics. They replied "the medicines may be the same but the hands are different". This is love incarnated. The point of difference is not the nature of the service or help that is offered people. Rather it is about the heart and the hands through whom the service is ministered. Jesus received five loaves and two fishes and then blessed them before they were distributed to a mob of people. When believers offer what they have in their hands as unto the Lord, Godly influence will happen. When His love permeates through His followers, even a loaf of bread can carry extraordinary influence!
This blog is based on a message by Ross Smith at The Vine Church. Logan City, Queensland, Australia on Sunday 26th June 2016. The full message can be accessed by podcast from www. thevine.org.au
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