Showing Over Speaking

Here at Emmanuel our purpose statement is “We exist to honor God by making passionate disciples.” This guides us as a church. Being a disciple is what every believer is called to do. Trying to be Christ-like, emulating Jesus, is really what a disciple is. Being a disciple is rooted in a relationship that is trusting and encouraging. Paul in our passage is laying down the foundation of discipleship. Look at Verse 15, “even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the Gospel.” Paul is exaggerating but his point is clear. You can learn a lot about God and Jesus from many sources, but are you being held accountable by anyone? Verse 16, “Therefore I urge you, imitate me.” Getting and imitating a spiritual mentor is a great way to grow spiritually. This is where many of us falter, we don’t want real accountability for our walk with God. Being examined and challenged in spiritual things makes us uncomfortable and forces us to grow. I have a spiritual mentor and several men that hold me accountable in my spiritual walk. Sometimes, I don’t like my mentor very much because he is challenging my actions and comparing them to Christ. This comparison shows bad habits that may have creeped into my life. These weak areas can be addressed in the safe environment of a mentor. This is how spiritual growth can happen on a deeper level. We all can watch the latest podcast, webinar, read the latest spiritual growth books and be involved in Bible studies (these are good things). That can become head knowledge, and it is important, but it must be transferred into our everyday actions for us to become Christ-like. A passionate disciple of Jesus wants to imitate the Master in actions, thoughts, and faith. This can be done with learning and mentoring. “For the Kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. What do you wish?” (Vs. 20-21a ESV). We can talk about being spiritual or we can do something about it. If you would like to be discipled, reach out to staff or elders here at Emmanuel and we can help you find someone that will pour into you spiritually. Become a passionate disciple, reach out today.