“GROW, GROW, GROW!”

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,”

John 8:31

Church membership begins when a genuinely converted believer commits their life to both Christ and His church. But this is only the beginning of this wonderful journey.

This series aims to provide you with five characteristics of a good church member. Here's our second mark:

A healthy church member is a growing disciple.

Discipleship is at the heart of Christianity. Following Christ means being a disciple of Christ. In its most basic sense, a disciple is “a learner, a pupil.” And we are proven to be Jesus’ students when we remain in Him and His word.

In today's verse, Jesus distinguishes between so-called disciples and those who are true disciples. A growing disciple has committed his life to Christ, as evidenced by his life of obedience. He continues in the teachings of the Lord Jesus, not turning either to the left or the right. There is a strong sense of consistency and permanence in his submission to Christ, proving that such a person is indeed a disciple.

To grow is to move forward in spiritual maturity—both in the knowledge of God and in godly living. God’s will is for us to grow from spiritual babes to mature, productive disciples.

Consider Peter’s exhortation:

2 “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

1 Peter 2:2-3

Peter likens the believers of the Diaspora to newborn babies, a familiar figure of speech in the NT. Just as babies crave milk, so these believers should thirst for spiritual nourishment. 

This exhortation does not necessarily mean that Peter’s readers are new converts. On the contrary, they likely had been believers for several years. However, regardless of their spiritual maturity, they should continue to desire the spiritual nourishment that comes from God’s word. 

Peter also uses the milk imagery by quoting Psalm 34:8, where David says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” If his readers have experienced the kindness of God, they should have an insatiable desire for it. 

The same goes for us. If Scripture satisfies our souls, we should want more of it. When we were new believers, we were eager to learn more about God, so Bible reading became a staple in our daily routine. We couldn’t last a day without our moment with God through Bible study. But do we still have that same longing for God’s word?

You are a healthy church member when you faithfully follow Jesus’ teachings and apply the biblical principles you learn from Him.

Pursue the Savior today!

Photo by David Gomez on Unsplash