Truly, What Is Your Aim?

Scripture:  II Corinthians 5:9 (NKJV) - Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.

Our Savior Jesus Christ has never “soft-pedaled” the truth.  He has clearly told us what type of people we were saved to be.  In effect, He has revealed to all who heed His words the identifying characteristics of a disciple.  We do well to remind ourselves of these conditions, lest we trip over the specter of “easy believism” in our efforts to disciple and model before others what it means to follow Jesus.

That being said, to what prevailing life purpose, or mindset, is a true Christian disciple ordered to be committed?  Here’s a short list:  a willingness to take up our own cross and follow Jesus, a willingness to lose our life for Christ’s sake (literally, if necessary), and submit to His Lordship;  a willingness to compel others  by our words and deeds to believe on Him as well for their soul’s salvation; a commitment to abide (i.e., remain) in His word—studying and meditating upon it-- and obeying it daily, for then, says our Lord, we will truly be His disciples (Jn. 8:31); a commitment to loving one another (Jn. 13:35) is essential, for this is a chief attribute of those who belong to Jesus Christ!  There are many more traits of discipleship, not the least of which is the imperative He gave us in Jn. 14:15—“If you love Me, you will keep my commandments.”  Let’s not shrink from regularly assessing the caliber of our own discipleship.  No one can impart to another that which he himself lacks.
 
Prayer:  Heavenly Father: Thank you for the conviction that throughout the sanctifying process involved in being your blood-purchased child, your grace, in keeping with 2 Cor. 12:9, forbears my shortcomings.  I praise You that it is sufficient for all my needs and for the God-ordained aspirations which by Your Spirit are being continually renewed within me.  Continue to stir up in me the desire to be well-pleasing to You, today and throughout eternity.

(by Sis. Denise Diggs)