3 Factors Essential For A Fruitful Everyday Christian Life (1)

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DAILY VITAMIN
- 3 Factors Essential For A Fruitful Everyday Christian Life (1)
"And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful." (Titus 3:14)
    Scripture says "Bodily exercise is all right, but spiritual exercise is much more important and is a tonic for all you do. So exercise yourself spiritually and practice being a better Christian, because that will help you not only now in this life, but in the next life too." (1 Timothy 4:8 TLB).
    Christianity doesn't end in believing; that's just the beginning. In fact, Christianity will only remain a mere religion until a lifestyle that appropriates its beliefs is exercised. It is said that Christianity is a way of life- a culture; well, that's true! By observing the plethora of sanctimonious people in certain regions, you'd realize that anybody can act religious, but only those willing to exemplify the mind of Christ can truly walk effectively as Christians. And in this series we'd consider three key virtues that Christ Himself masterminded and maximized every moment of His earthly life. However, let's have Paul lead us into it.
     1 Timothy 1:5 says "What I am eager for is that all the Christians there will be filled with love that comes from pure hearts, and that their minds will be clean and their faith strong" (TLB). Remember, the Christian walk is a continuous step by step product of our daily fellowship with the Spirit of Christ; so while these virtues have been granted to us, for effectiveness as sons and daughters of God we must consciously practice them every day.
And thus this begs the question, how? We would consider that as we go on.
1. Sincere Love for God and People: Jesus told us that Love is the greatest commandment - that is, both toward divinity and humanity (Matthew 22:37-40). And He exemplified what real love really is every day of His life. The scripture calls Him the kindness and the love of God (Titus 3:4); and so it would be impossible for anyone who truly knows Christ to live devoid of love for God and men. As I usually say, it is the greatest form of spirituality. Having received the Spirit of Christ into our hearts, the love of God invaded our once darkened hearts, teaching us to care for one another and to reciprocate His love in obedience to Him. In other words, there's no one who believes in Christ who isn't capable of practising loving others. It is simply our original nature in Christ. We just have to learn to practice it more. How? Create an environment in your heart that desires to please God, and to accept others as they are irrespective of their inadequacies. Make a preoccupation out of it. Yes, make it a habit to live as Jesus did. Model your life after His. His undying love for the Father kept Him distant from whatever that could hamper their fellowship, while His undying love for men kept Him ever close to them in their times of need. Do this regularly from the heart, and in time it will become a naturally displayed disposition.
     Practice helping those in need of help in times of need, and you'd find yourself growing fruitful in the Lord, for it is His will that we do so (Titus 3:14). Remember, you are not trying to build up a virtue you don't have; No! You are simply trying to awaken what you already are and have resident in your heart by the Spirit of God. And as Jesus said, this is how men will know that you are His disciples, "that you love" (John 13:35).

Confession:
I walk in the love of God daily. In the power of Christ I do. I have the ability by the Spirit to love even those I assume don't deserve it, and by the Spirit I shall. Because I'm an ambassador of God's Kingdom, and God has no preference in colour, age, race, social status, or past record, I will love unconditionally as He does me, bearing fruits that shall abide unto eternity, to the glory of His name. Amen

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