Maturing Beyond Surface Level Christianity (Part Two)

From the desk of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D. To get beyond the surface to true discipleship, however, there are several essential steps that I think are beneficial: Diligently studying Scripture (even the hard parts); emphasizing God, learning how to listen to Him and obeying Him. This is called discipleship! An intimate knowledge of God does indeed flow into an obedient heart, and the longer a person walks with God in this fashion, the richer and deeper this knowledge becomes! The experience one obtains is that of maturing and growing beyond surface level Christianity. This experience is of maturing beyond surface level Christianity is anticipated in what Jesus said to the disciples: “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him” (John 14:21). Disclose means to reveal, manifest or expose information that has previously been kept a secret! In other words, this self-disclosure of God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ to the hearts of obedient disciples is what coming to know Him is all about. Clearly, this type of knowing matures and moves us beyond surface level Christianity! Also notice the word “keeps.” It means to “watch over, guard, be observant or careful about God’s commandments.” John is talking about the attitude of obedience that’s marked by a concern for, and attentiveness to, God’s will! This matures the believer beyond surface level Christianity. When the commandments of God are loved and kept with the concern and attentiveness of an obedient heart, the spiritual conditions are right for God to disclose and make Himself known! Be encouraged to transcend surface level Christianity!