This post is a defining document for this blog and the blog topic. Is represents my attempt to reduce the idea of practicing Christ to a basic mission, vision, and some key practices, which I use to help me toward this goal. It is my intent to elaborate on each of these practices in separate posts. Permalinks to those posts are linked to in this post. New links will be added as I complete my commentary posts.
Mission Statements
He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37 – Matthew 22:40
By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. 1 John 4:13–17
Vision Statement
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1–2
Abiding LoveTo practice abiding love by taking time to be with God through daily prayer, scripture reading (including lectio divina), reflection, and worship (Deut. 6:4-5; Ps. 42:1-2; 119:12-20; Matt. 6:33; Luke 6:12; 10:38-42; John 15; Eph. 3:14-21; 1 John 3:18; 2 Tim 3:16-17; 1 John 4:13-17).
Holy Spirit LedFastingTo walk in the Spirit by practicing holy listening and the Sacrament of the Present Moment, where we say “yes” to God, moment by moment (Isa. 58:11; Ezek. 36:26 – 27; Matt 6:10; John 14:26; 1 Cor. 6:19; 12:11; 2 Cor. 3:18; Heb 3:15; Phil 2:13).
To practice sacrificial living through fasting at least one day a week, and by putting other’s needs before my own, remembering the fast the Lord desires is to for us to do works of justice, compassion, mercy, and righteousness (Matt 6:16-21; 16:24-26;Isa. 58:6-12; Acts 13:2-3).
Holiness
To practice holiness by walking out the Sermon on the Mount, remembering that holiness is the work of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. To pay particular attention to practicing sexual purity in our relationships and private lives, seeking accountability relationships, and utilizing accountability tools available on the Internet, where appropriate (Matt 5-7; Phil 4:8-9; Heb 12:10; 2 Cor 3:18; Eph 4:19; 5:3-5; 1 John 1:8-10; 3:3; 1 Pet 1:13-15).
To practice taking one day a week as a day of rest and to keep the Sabbath holy (Ex. 20:10-11; Isa. 58: 12-14; Mk 2:27-28; Heb 4:9-11).
Giving
CommunityTo live simply and to give generously (Ps. 62:10c; Matt 6:19-21; 13:22; Luke 16:13; 1 Tim 6:6-10; 6:17-19; 1 Cor 9:7).
To love God by loving others, which includes our neighborly associations, and as Jesus taught us, our enemies. To participate in the fellowship of believers in Christ. (Matt. 5:44; 22:39; John 13:34-35; 17:21; Acts 2:42-47; Eph. 2:21-22; 1 John 4:10-11; Heb 10:24 – 25; 1 John 1:3-4).
Ministry of Reconciliation
To boldly proclaim the Christian hope in Christ Jesus (Isa. 61; Matt 28:18-20; Luke 24:27; 2 Cor 5:18-21; Gal. 3:28-29; Rev 5:9-11).
In addition to the above practices of Christ, I have written about Spiritual Formation Discipleship, which is a relational discipleship model that leverages spiritual formation principles. The "practices" in this post and the Spiritual Formation Desicpleship posts are different, but related in purpose. Another model that I personally follow is the International House of Prayer's "7 Committments of a Forerunner." This too embodies the principles and practices reflected in this blog, though it is defines differently.
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