11 Things Every Christian Should Do On A Daily Basis!
In our church culture today discipleship has been pushed to the corner. In times past it was expected that a new convert would know the next step in the Christian walk as most Americans grew up in or around church. That idea has long since died. You can walk across your small town street and meet a neighbor who has no idea who Jesus is, what salvation is, or what being a "Christian" really means. Maybe you're a young convert, struggling with the Christian walk or maybe you've been saved for a while but still seem to struggle. If that's you or you're just looking for ways to improve your Christian walk then here are 11 things every Christian should do on a daily basis.
1. Pray
This one may seem obvious but we tend to neglect this one the most. Scripture teaches us to pray, constantly, without ceasing! What that means is, we should be in constant communication with the source of life! Sometimes we need not speak a word to communicate efficiently. Christ knows what we need before we pray and Scripture teaches that sometimes when we're so broken that we can't even utter words, the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf! Our prayer lives tend to be one way streets, us praying and God listening. Prayer works just like ANY other conversation you have, two people talking. What good is it if we tell God everything yet never sit and listen. God wants to talk to you, when was the last time you sat in silence and listened for the Lord?
2. Read The Scriptures
Everyday we should be in the Word, planting seeds of truth in our hearts and minds! Scripture says that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds! How does that happen? By the Word of God! So often I'm told how much of a struggle it is to read and understand the Word. Most people approach reading the Bible as if they're going for a doctorate in theology. As if they need to understand every word in its fullest detail. They'll spend an hour studying one word and never learn anything about what the Bible says. My advice is always the same, simply read! Just read it. It's that simple. God will grant you the understanding when you're ready. You can't understand context by reading one chapter a day. Take fifteen to thirty minutes a day to simply read four chapters and in nine months you'll have read the entire Bible. Do this three consecutive times and you'll be amazed at what you learn and retain. Pick up the Word and READ!
3. Giving
For me the biggest challenge is realizing the impact that the small things in life can have. So often my mind tries to tell me that if it's not big then it's not worth doing. That's false, life is made up of the small things. You don't have to give someone a car, just give! Maybe a hug, some candy, a compliment, a meal, an encouraging word. Just give!
4. Forgiving
Everyday of your life there's someone to forgive. Sometimes you'll have to forgive the same person 452 days straight but that's ok. Forgiveness is like pure oxygen to the soul! Everyday choose someone and forgive!
5. Show Grace
Forgiveness is the beginning, where Grace is the end! Forgiveness seems really easy in light of giving Grace. Grace requires you to be nice to those who've hurt you. It requires you to GIVE to those who have stolen from you. It requires you to sacrifice for those who've already taken all you have. Show Grace everyday because Christ shows you Grace every second!
6. Love
Well this one is obvious. But really, love is tricky. We tend to put love in a box, an emotional box. The reality is that love is a commitment. Love is a commitment to positive action towards someone WITHOUT an expectation of return. Choose everyday to love! When you're mad, choose love. When you're hurt, choose love. It's more than a word, it requires you to do something!
7. Helping
I'm not helping them, they've never helped me. I hear things like that a lot. I've said things like that a lot! But, the Scriptures teach us to be servants. Humility will always lead us to serve! When's the last time you volunteered at the soup kitchen, cleaned up an elderly persons yard, helped your neighbor with a project? In our society we all want help but rarely do we want to give it.
8. Visit
Our God is a relational being! He was a relational being from eternity past, the Father loving the Son, the Son loving the Spirit, and so on! No wonder he created us in that relation image from spouses to children to friendships and so on. Your life is invaluable without relationships. When's the last time you just stopped by your mom's house to say hey? Whens the last time you visited the sick or those in jail? When's the last time you broke the ice with someone who has no one to be their someone?
9. Evangelize
Everyday we should tell someone about Jesus! Not bluntly or without merit but seeking in daily conversation or passing a moment where we can express Jesus in the fullness of the Gospel. When's the last time you witnessed of His saving Grace? Someone is searching for that Grace, just waiting for someone to point them in the right direction!
10. Exhort
Everyday exhort those around you. Stop being critical! Be that uplifting positive spirit. No one likes a debbie downer! There are people in this world who just need one person to be nice to them and let them know that their life matter! Be that person!
11. Rest
I know, you wasn't expecting that one. We can't be of any help to anyone if we're not equipped and energized. I will promise you this, if you do the first nine on the list, this one will be the easiest! You will definitely sleep better feeling fulfilled at what Christ can accomplish in and through you!
God Bless,
Pastor Bradley
