Christian? Are you one? What makes you one? Which kind are you? There are two kinds of Christians that I will be talking about today. And also, show you how to become a strong Christian through discipleship.
The Nominal Christian
The nominal Christian is one who identifies himself as a Christian but doesn’t live according to the teachings of Christ (that is, the hallmark of Christianity). The nominal Christian doesn’t live according to the Christian faith. He merely attends church service, usually on Sunday mornings; he may follow the traditions of his church, like not wearing earrings or footwear to church. However, he does not let his faith in Jesus impact his life or decisions.
Moreover, the nominal Christian may hold on to beliefs or activities inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible, such as singing lustful songs and speaking profanities (Titus 3:2). He is not a worldly person or an unbeliever, but merely doesn’t have his faith in Christ in the centre of everything he does.
A biblical example of a nominal Christian (believer) is Herod Antipas. He heard the preaching of John the Baptist and was perplexed by it (Mark 6:20) but wouldn’t associate or live by it. Another figure you can look at, although not a Christian figure, is Cain. Unlike his brother Abel, Cain followed the ways of God but never gave his heart wholly to it (Hebrews 11:4).
The Strong Christian
The strong Christian on the other hand has a deep and genuine faith in Christ and seeks to live and walk in the ways of the faith. He is very committed to his relationship with God and literally put God first in all things.
Unlike the nominal Christian, the strong Christian is mostly found to be engaged in activities in line with his faith, like listening to gospel music, praying regularly, having Bible study and fellowshipping with other Christians.
There are many Biblical examples of such characters in the Bible. One of them is Stephen, a member of the twelve deacons. Even in his last breath, he still followed the ways of Christ (Acts 6:1-7:60).
Now from what you’ve read, which kind of Christian are you? You might be a nominal Christian or a strong Christian but certainly not both. So to help you become a strong Christian through discipleship, these are scriptural ways to help you.
1. Take Your Personal Spiritual Growth Seriously By Building Structures To remain connected to God.
Connecting to God every day helps make you a strong Christian.
a. Use morning devotionals
For example, you can do this by using devotionals. A devotional is a type of Christian literature that gives you day-by-day sermons and scripture (spiritual food) to keep your soul replenished. Your life will completely transform if you do your morning devotionals consistently and meditate on them throughout the day. A perfect example of a devotional is the Knowing God Devotional written by Andrews Baah Kwafo on our ministry’s website.
b. Check your prayer life
Second, look at your prayer times. How many times do you pray a day, and at what times? Some people remember to pray before eating, when they wake up, or when they expect to receive something from someone they do not trust. That’s not enough. You must actually set time aside for praying. And these times must be free times devoted to prayer, not late in the evening when you are feeling sleepy or around the time you are in a hurry to go to work. Take prayer times seriously.
c. Attend church regularly
Also, take note of church service times. You may be a Saturday or Sunday worshiper. Regardless, you must be conscious of the service times. If church starts at 8:30 am, be mindful of it, prepare adequately and attend frequently. Always have it at the back of your mind that you have service at 8:30 and don’t be late. Start the service from scratch and enjoy it till the end. Take service times very seriously.
d. Read Christian books
Final on the list is reading books. Not just any books, but books in line with the principles of the faith of Christ. I’m talking about books based on Biblical principles, which will help build your spiritual growth. I personally recommend books from Billy Graham, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Apostle Arome Osayi, and Kathryn Kuhlman. But above all, practice what you read, and you’re good to go.
2. Intentionally choose to walk with friends of Jesus Christ
According to Proverbs 13:20 (KJV),
“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: But a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
Look at those you choose as your friends. Are they friends that are strong Christians or part of those nominal ones? If they are strong Christians (and usually wise men,) then you shall grow strong in the faith because of their influence. But if they are nominal to the faith, your life will remain untransformed. Check those you walk and spend most of your time with because they determine your rate of spiritual growth directly or indirectly (Psalm 1:1).
Also, according to 1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV), it’s written that,
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
You might have heard the famous saying among some Ghanaians, “Show me your friend, and I will show you your character.” Precisely, this saying is what the above scripture elaborates on. Those you spend your time with and normally associate yourself with influence the small things in your life. Before you realise it, your life becomes guided by some things they say, do or don’t do.
As a Christian, surround your life with godly people, and do not involve yourself too much with unbelievers. However, help one another to grow spiritually.
