Not certain that anyone defines themselves in this way… but I do. However, an operational definition (mine) might be helpful. This type of person is characterized by the fact that they are continually and intentionally trying to grow into the best person they can be. Yes, they make mistakes, slip, sin, etc. but the point is that once they are aware, they pick themselves up, resolve the (fill in the blank), and continue on their journey.
Why? Because there is nothing more important than becoming your best you! It’s your gift to the Father for all He does and continues to do. No, He hasn’t specifically asked for this but I do think it can be inferred from the cautions and directions that are provided in scripture. Quite honestly – if you aren’t using scripture as your basis to determine, assess, and decide (fill in the blank) then what do you use as your manual, your standard? We all use something. It makes sense to use scripture since it doesn’t change – it’s as valid a basis now as when it was written.
How you grow, because becoming a practicing Christian is a process, will impact every facet of your life: how and why you think what you do and then how you express and act on this. I sometimes believe we live in a learning lab and that really is a positive. It’s how we understand what we say and how we say it is received by others. Are we intentional about our message? Not to the extreme that we think out in scenario form precisely what we are going to say and then how to respond to others’ understanding of that. Somehow people don’t say what you’ve scripted them to say.
Yes a Practicing Christian makes mistakes but it’s also how we learn how we respond to our sins and errors. We always have the opportunity to choose to grow from our mistakes when we own our own behavior. Remember that you are never external to you and when you have erred – admit it, apologize if necessary, but learn and move on. This lifestyle is exciting and filled with laughter and scrapped knees, tremendous joy and deep sorrow. But it’s all good when we have the Lord involved with us. He doesn’t want to control us, He wants the best for us.
