“The steady discipline of intimate friendship with Jesus results in men becoming like Him.”
Finally. A voice of reason and understanding in our quest for to be Christlike. A very simple dynamic that stresses personal intimacy. As we walk and talk with Him we are affected, we absorb things by rubbing up to Him. We become altered. But it takes a “steady discipline” (that is probably the most intense words in this quote).
Steadiness is a very undervalued commodity. This culture— my culture— has minimized this particular quality, and inflated others to take its place. We put a new weight on certain things that eventually ‘throw off’ the equilibrium of our discipleship. We extract ‘steadiness, or faithfulness’ from our faith and we are left with something that is only a “disciple” in pretense or personal confusion.
Being steadfast means you are dependable and stable. It is evidence ‘exhibit A’ that you have the Holy Spirit infecting you.
‘But as for you,(A) O man of God,(B) flee these things.(C) Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.’
1 Timothy 6:11
When we are in pursuit of something, we become incredibly focused. Our peripheral vision is adjusted and we become focused on just reaching our goal. Paul told Timothy to make these things his target, and then to pursue them. But this particular verse, embedded as it is with concepts of discipleship is rarely (maybe never) given more than a fleeting glance. Perhaps is is just too boring?
Admittedly there is a plethora of choices. Our fellowships had just passed out spiritual menus for us to order from. (As it that were possible.)
Count it all joy, my brothers,[b] when you meet trials(F) of various kinds, 3for you know that(G) the testing of your faith(H)produces steadfastness.4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be(I) perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
If we fully intend to become ‘biblical’ we will refocus on all that God wants to hear. We are pretty much in peril if we buy into a gospel that is not balanced on the New Testament scales. We will not grow at all if all we eat are “spiritual snicker bars”.
People like us are almost always trying to balance ourselves. Bipolar depression is a vicious illness of extremes. One day we are into this, and then we shift to another thing. We walk a tightrope it seems, even while others are enjoying themselves in a steady, solid and comfortable walk of discipleship. Being aware of your balance, propensity and momentum is a valuable asset to have.
Broken Believers 