Becoming an ideal Christian is not easy for almost everyone. But what about being a better Christian? This is easier to do, and indeed it is something we all need to work on. However, how? Improve yourself, contribute to make the community around us better, and be true to the faith, and you will become a Christian who inspires everyone.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Always Improve Yourself
Step 1. Read the Bible
The Bible has all the answers and is always able to help you with instructions on how to be a good Christian (you can read the Ten Commandments at a glance, for example). Likewise, most bookstores sell books that can help you understand the Bible better, if you find it difficult to fully practice what the Bible says - as is usually the case with most people.
- Getting involved in a Bible study group is a fun and exciting activity for you to do in the long run. In addition, you will make many new friends who also want to grow as Christians, who can share the Word of God with you.
- Jesus said in Matthew 24:35, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." By reading the Bible, you are experiencing that God's Word does live on.
Step 2. Pray regularly
It is very important to put God above all and thank Him for everything. Pray when you wake up (and read the Bible too), pray before you eat, and pray before you go to bed (and read the Bible too). Always live your life every day with Him, and this becomes easier to do by praying.
James 1:5 says that God gives wisdom in abundance if you ask for it. Prayer is all-encompassing, and whatever topic you pray for, God will answer according to His mind. Ask Him for directions, ask for forgiveness, but you can also pray any time just to say hello and have a casual chat with Him
Step 3. Always praise God
This includes the way you talk to other people and the way you live your daily life, which should always show that you are praising God. Let everyone see that God exists and lives within you. This means that you must radiate positive light and do what is according to His will. Let Him live through your life.
- Part of this is up to your interpretation. Does praising God mean praying regularly? Sing? Testify of Him to others? All of this is true! Praising God means living by shining His light; and there's nothing wrong if you do.
- "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice." Think about it: today is the Lord's day. How extraordinary! Realizing this makes it easier for you to praise Him every time.
Step 4. Practice forgiveness to others and to yourself
This is one of the hardest things for most people; we read the Bible, attend church services, try to live according to His will, but in the end, we don't want to forgive and keep blaming others and ourselves. In order to become closer to God, make a conscious effort to forgive/forgive yourself and others. We can all try our best!
- Do not retaliate with anger or evil, but turn the other cheek. If someone wrongs you, show them that you are living in the light of Christ and taking the higher path. Forgive him, just as Jesus did. Who knows, he will actually be inspired by your decision.
- Whenever you blame yourself for the smallest things, remember that you are perfect before Him. He doesn't like it when you treat yourself like that! Don't blame yourself, just concentrate on doing better and focus on the future, not the past.
- Ephesians 4:32 says, "But be kind to one another, loving and forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you." When you are tempted to do otherwise, meditate on this simple but beautiful verse.
Step 5. Be humble about your faith, no matter how beautiful it is
Never boast of being close to God. This will actually make people withdraw from the gospel message and you will lose the opportunity to witness to them. Nobody likes arrogant people - not even Jesus. In the book of Peter it says, "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of the Lord, that he may exalt you in due time." Remember, we are all God's children.
Unfortunately, some Christians are arrogant, because they think that their faith is superior to the faith of others. Remember that Jesus taught that we are all children of God, and that everyone is loved by Him equally. Always remembering this helps us to stay humble
Part 2 of 3: Contributing to a Better Your Environment
Step 1. Give help to the poor and suffering
This could mean donating clothes to a charity in your church or buying food for the homeless people you meet on the street every day. Basically, do something. Proverbs 19:17 says, "He who has mercy on the weak, owes the LORD, who will repay him for what he has done."
Actually every community group must have people who need help. If you don't think it's appropriate to give money, that's okay. Do you have any used clothes that are still worth giving away? Can you cook food for a family that you know needs it, or for the kitchen of the poor? Can you make a craft that will cheer up someone who is grieving? Money is not the only way to give happiness
Step 2. Preach His Word
Share His glory with the whole world! One simple way to become a better Christian is to feel “proud” of your faith and share the joys of living in that faith as a loved one. do your part to make your environment and community better. Who knows you can change someone else's life!
You don't have to do all of this at once (some people may not accept your testimony easily and may even view everything you say as an attempt to evangelize him); but you can show your gratitude and thanks to God for all the happiness and success you experience. Acknowledging Him like this is a simple way of telling His greatness
Step 3. Be honest about your religion
Don't hide your identity because you think others will accept you if you're not a Christian. Also, don't lie to get along in the community, then confess and apologize later. If other people ask about your religion, be open and honest. You have nothing to be ashamed of!
Be honest about your doubts too. If you open up to others about this, they will encourage you to be stronger in your faith and belief
Step 4. Give to the church and to your community
Pay your tithing to the church, as it is written in the Bible, so that the church can help those in need more with a greater and more beneficial gift than any one person can give. This also includes giving time. In addition, other organizations and communities also need your contribution of funds and time. Spread your love widely!
In the book of Corinth it says, "Each one should give as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Don't give out of necessity. Be a joyful giver, because you know you are doing your part
Step 5. Be present and involved in church
Don't just attend church Sunday services, get involved! It's not God's intention that you just show up and do nothing. Get on the choir team, lead the singing, be the host - whatever you do counts. In addition, these things will make you feel more part of your church community.
Find ways in which you can help - because there is usually more need than help. Do you have any particular talents? Cook? Playing the guitar? Sew? Making things out of wood? Offer your talents to the church. They will find a need that you can help
Step 6. Cast your vote.
One of the best ways to make an impact according to God's will is to vote according to your beliefs. Whether this is the election of the RT Chair or even the election of the President, your vote has an impact, especially before God. In this way, you are doing your part to make a positive contribution to the wider community.
Because the Bible requires interpretation, always meditate on what God's Word you read means to you. If we are all children of God, what is His best will for all of us, men and women, black and white, young and old?
Part 3 of 3: Deepening Your Faith
Step 1. Be creative with God
Attending worship for an hour or two each week is not your special time with God. Your time with God runs all the time, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Take any time and do something with it to channel your energy and produce something that glorifies His name. Whether it's a painting, a song, a story, or a dish, he'll be proud to see what you make.
- This creative time is also good for you. These times will help you to concentrate, calm down and feel better about your situation. We all need times like this, and maybe this is what you need to prepare yourself to be a better Christian.
- Proverbs 22:29 states, "Have you seen a man who is skilled in his work? Before kings he will stand, not before men who are lowly." This is just a direct recommendation from God himself!
Step 2. Be a volunteer.
The Bible very often commands that we help our brothers and sisters - Hebrews 13:16 also says this very well, "And don't forget to do good and help, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." In today's times, doing good and giving is much easier to do than in the past.
Volunteer at soup kitchens, homeless shelters, or hospitals. Be a coach for children in need, help organize a church meal, or just take some dogs for a walk! There are so many ways you can contribute positively and convey the glory of His name to your community
Step 3. Visit other churches
This may sound strange, but visiting other churches can help us understand other people, meet other Christians and get to know the wider Christian community outside your own local church. The more you learn about your faith, the stronger it will be.
Experiment with other church denominations as well. The orthodox Christian church can be an interesting experience. Also, don't be afraid to understand allied faiths (Islam and Judaism) - visiting a mosque or synagogue can also be an enlightening and positive experience for you. After all, all these religions have their roots in the same God
Step 4. Study the lives of Christian figures
We can learn so much from the lives of those who lived before us. Do some personal research and pick a few characters whose life stories feel like they speak specifically to you. How can you imitate their life and faith? How can you live as they live?
You've heard of Jesus and Martin Luther King, Jr., but have you ever heard of George Whitefield, Dwight Moody, or William Carey? There are so many characters whose life stories we can learn from and take inspiration from. Everything is accessible with just a few clicks
Step 5. Record your faith journey in a journal
Set aside a few minutes each day to record your interactions with God. You can write down everything you want - what you are grateful for, think about or need guidance from God for. Most importantly, stay aware of His presence in your life.
- From time to time, reread your faith journal. Chances are, you will be amazed at the growth in your faith!
- Take your journal with you wherever you go - sometimes the perfect time for reflection can come at any time and you'll need it to quickly record how you feel at that moment and in that situation.
- Isaiah 40:8, "The grass withers, the flowers wither, but the word of our God endures forever." It's not only about the Bible verse, but also the Word of God being spoken through you.
Step 6. Leave Him if you have to
Let's talk about the facts honestly: sometimes it's hard to stay in the faith. If you are struggling, know that God will not hold grudges if you leave Him. Maybe you need to take some time to understand yourself and re-examine your beliefs. Why is this okay to do? Many people have done it and their faith is even stronger than before. You'll actually appreciate what you have more when you lose it!
- As long as you are open and honest with God, He will always be with you, whether you are in a struggle or not. Just as you can't enjoy happiness without knowing sadness, you won't be able to feel what a wonderful fellowship with Him is if you, at times, don't recognize the loss of Him. This may be a difficult struggle, but in the end you will become a better Christian because of this struggle.
- Romans 14:1 says, "Accept those who are weak in faith without speaking their minds." Just as you would accept others whose faith is weak, you also need to accept yourself. Remember, you were created in the image and likeness of God, but you are still human!
Tips
- Jesus introduced the concept of giving and receiving in faith in Luke 6:38.
- In this modern day and age, giving tithes and offerings to God in the concept of Christian finance has shifted greatly. Many people experience financial struggles, and setting aside some of the funds we have often doesn't seem like a good idea. Remember that this is not about Christians having to give to God, but rather returning property to its rightful owner.
