After receiving Christ into your life as your Lord and Saviour, this new life becomes more meaningful each day as you discover additional evidences of God's love for you and His purpose for your life. It is the purpose of this series of lessons to help you become more deeply involved in God's plan for your life and to become better acquainted with Christ. Receiving Him is just the beginning. Daily commitment to Him is necessary if you are to enjoy the fullness of life He has for you. "Continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 3:18).
In this lesson we will talk more about you specifically as we discuss "creative discipleship." The essentials thus far studied are for all Christians. Yet, each Christian will express his Christian life in a different way because each one is a unique individual. You are you.
The word "disciple" is used to describe a follower and learner of Christ. It involves a definite and sustained commitment. The follower of Christ must live a disciplined life, under the control and direction of his Lord.
You should be creative in using the freedom you have in Christ to discover and use particular abilities and talents, which He has given you. This demands a "calling out" of the gifts that you have. Paul urged young Timothy to keep alive the gift that God had given him (2 Tim. 1:6). He told the Romans to use the gifts that they had (Rom. 12:6).
Make a list of each of your personal abilities and gifts, which might be developed. Consult with Christian friends who may help you to discover unused abilities and talents. These talents may be in the area of music, intellectual sharpness, or simply the ability to listen to others. Or you may have a knack for working with small children. It could be that a talent lies in a ministry that has not been started by our church. Once you have discovered your basic gifts and abilities, develop them. Seek to use them in creative ways.
Someone has said, "To seek the will of God is the greatest search, to find the will of God is the greatest discovery, and to do the will of God is the greatest accomplishment." Normally, God's will for your life will be in accord with the gifts He has given you. If you submit your will to God and ask for His guidance, He will lead you to right decisions.
Perhaps you can help your church become involved in meeting some needs of society. Seek personally to apply the message of Christ to the problems and opportunities of daily life. Do something personally to bring about racial justice, rehabilitation of juveniles, and fair business and employment practices.
Obviously, you cannot do everything. Creative discipleship means that you take care in selecting that which you can do best. Learn to say no to the rest. This demands learning how to set priorities. You have only twenty-four hours each day. You can accomplish only a certain amount. What comes first? How much time should you spend in prayer and Bible study? In church-related activities? In recreation and family relationships? Earning a living or going to school? Jesus reminded us to "seek ye first the kingdom of God" (Matt. 6:33) and everything else would be taken care of.
Creativity does not mean arrogance or independence. You are still a part of the body and you need very much the contribution of the other members. Creative discipleship means seeking, to the best of your ability, to discover and develop the gifts God has given you, and to submit the use of these gifts to God's will.
The church will come alive when individual disciples begin to use their gifts and express their creativity. To ensure that you know what your gifts are, we suggest you take the gift assessment test at the link below. Enjoy and use your gifts!
http://www.christianet.com/bible/spiritualgiftstest.htm
Taken from New Christian Bible Study
