Stay Faithful to the Fundamentals

Stay close to Jesus

As leaders, we can spend a great deal of time helping other people grow. We prepare a message, organize a meeting, and answer a question. In the middle of that useful work, we need to pay attention to our own relationship with Jesus.

John 15 (opens the passage on Bible.com) describes a life that bears fruit through remaining in Him. Our dependence on Jesus continues as our responsibilities grow. Experience does not remove our need for prayer, Scripture, and a heart that is willing to listen.

Give God your attention as a person who belongs to Him. Talk with Him about what is actually happening in your life. Read His Word for your own formation. A passage may become useful in a future conversation, but first allow it to speak into the way you are living today.

Build a rhythm you can keep

Healthy growth needs some consistency. We often imagine a dramatic change, then become discouraged when the plan proves difficult to sustain. Start with a rhythm that fits your real life and gives you room to grow.

Here is a simple Scripture practice: read, observe, consider an application, and pray. Choose a passage. Notice what it says in context. Ask how you should respond. Bring that response to God. You can begin with a short, attentive time and keep returning to it.

Include relationships in your rhythm. Psalm 92 (opens the passage on Bible.com) uses the picture of being planted and flourishing. Stay connected to a church community where you can worship, serve, and be known. A small circle of trusted people can encourage you, ask honest questions, and help you keep the commitments you make.

Practice what you already know

Sometimes the next step in growth is a familiar act of obedience. We know we need to apologize, serve someone, give generously, or speak truthfully. The challenge is following through in the ordinary circumstances of our lives.

Ask where there is a gap between what you know and what you are practicing. Choose one specific response. Keep it connected to the teaching of Scripture, and seek wise counsel when the situation is unclear. Spiritual maturity includes the humility to keep learning.

As you lead others, make these fundamentals visible and accessible. Share a practice that helps you pay attention to God. Invite someone to read with you. Talk honestly about growth as an ongoing process. People need to know that faithfulness can be practiced in the life they already have.

Lead this week

Choose one spiritual rhythm and one act of obedience for the next seven days. Keep both realistic. Tell a trusted person what you are practicing and invite them to check in. Steady attention to the fundamentals helps us keep growing as we help other people grow.