Christian Living

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Since retiring, I have settled back in my "Frazer Dad's recliner, you know the one held together by duck tape, and have become addicted to such TV entities as the "Animal Channel's" Dog Whisper TV show. The series which features Cesar Milian addressing extreme dog behaviors. And the one thing I have learned, is that in a good number of the dog problems, the dogs have become accustomed to ruling the household.

We all have some "animal instinct" traits hidden away within us. And from a Christian point of view, lets calls these instincts evil persuading's. ( Romans 7:19) ( Romans 7: 21)

You see, when a new convert comes to Christ, the old character tends to hang around. Thus, a new dog clinging to the old tricks. A new Christian needs to be taught in the ways of the gospel ( 1 Tim 4:13 )( 1 John 5:11-13 ) (Philippians 4:6-7 )

I once heard a preacher say, " when a person with no personality comes to Christ, that person becomes a Christian with no personality". In other words ,a Christian may be saved and on their way to heaven, but they still have certain human characteristics. And yes, a person can become a Christian and still have a boring personality.

It is very important, as a seasoned Christian, to not just win that individual to Christ but also to disciple him or her, in the ways of the Lord. But wait, maybe we have not reached that level of maturely, in our own lives ( Hebrews 5:12) So, how can we expect to teach others how to grow in Christ.

However, lets assume we are a mature Christian, what next in instructing a new convert ?

When Jesus instructed His decuples to " witness to the good news of the gospel", He did not stop there. He told them to make the new Christians His decuples. ( Matthew 28:18-20)

This leads us into two thoughts. What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ's ? And, how do we go about teaching this ?

First, we much teach them that being a disciple simply means to follow Jesus.( John 10:27)

And second, we much teach them to truly distinguish the voice of Jesus.( 1 Cor 1:30)

One must understand that Jesus is the answer to all needs,( Philippians 4:19), that one needs to mature in sound doctrine ( 1 Cor 15:3-4) and one need learn to experience God's forgiveness, on a daily bases ( Ephesians 1:7).

Now tell me. Are you ready to teach a "new dog- "old tricks"? You may have, or may not have, lead that person to Christ. That doesn't matter. You may be the only person available to teach him or her, the ways of God.

It can be as simple as meeting over a morning cup of coffee. Or, as involved as scheduling comprehensive Bible sessions, over a period of time. Making that decision is where the Holy Spirit becomes involved. ( Hebrews 3:7) (Romans 8:26) ( Ephesians 1:16-17) ( 1 Timothy 1:6-7)

So, don't let the opportunity of a life time slip through your fingers. Go to it with meekness, ( Colossians 3:16) ( 2 Timothy 2:25) ( 2 Cor 1:12-13) ( 1 Cor 2:1-5)

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