Note to Self

1. Embrace the Gospel: Your Foundation for Life and Faith

"Jesus is enough, but that kind of satisfaction is only experienced when we understand our greatest needs to be redemption and restoration."

The gospel is central. It's not just the starting point of faith, but the ongoing source of strength, hope, and transformation. The good news of Jesus Christ - His life, death, and resurrection - provides the foundation for everything in the Christian life. It offers forgiveness for sin, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life.

Apply the gospel daily. This means regularly reminding yourself of God's grace, your identity in Christ, and the hope of the resurrection. When facing temptation, remember that you're no longer a slave to sin. When feeling discouraged, recall the promises of God secured through Christ. When interacting with others, let the love and sacrifice of Jesus inform your attitudes and actions.

• Key aspects of the gospel to meditate on:
  • Christ's perfect life lived on your behalf
  • His sacrificial death paying for your sins
  • His resurrection securing your victory over death
  • The gift of the Holy Spirit empowering your new life

2. Cultivate a God-Centered Perspective in All Things

"Do not attempt to base your interpretation of God on your circumstances, but see your circumstances in light of who God has revealed himself to be."

Shift your focus. A God-centered perspective means viewing every aspect of life through the lens of God's character, purposes, and promises. This isn't natural for us; our default is self-centeredness. Intentionally cultivate this perspective by regularly studying Scripture and meditating on God's attributes.

Apply this perspective practically. In times of blessing, recognize God as the source and give thanks. In times of trial, trust in His sovereignty and goodness. When making decisions, seek to honor God rather than simply pursuing personal comfort or gain. This perspective should shape your priorities, inform your choices, and influence how you interpret the events of your life.

• Areas to apply a God-centered perspective:
  • Relationships
  • Career and finances
  • Personal goals and ambitions
  • Suffering and hardship
  • Cultural engagement

3. Practice Self-Reflection and Repentance Daily

"Repentance requires a daily intentionality."

Examine your heart. Regular self-reflection is crucial for spiritual growth. Set aside time each day to prayerfully consider your thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where you've fallen short or where sin has taken root.

Respond with repentance. True repentance involves more than feeling guilty; it's a change of mind leading to a change of direction. When you identify sin, confess it to God, ask for forgiveness, and actively turn away from it. Remember, repentance is made possible by God's grace and is a sign of spiritual health, not weakness.

• Steps for effective repentance:
  1. Acknowledge specific sins
  2. Express genuine sorrow
  3. Confess to God (and others when appropriate)
  4. Receive God's forgiveness
  5. Make a plan to resist future temptation
  6. Seek accountability if needed

4. Love and Serve Others as Christ Loved You

"Your experience of the gospel should compel you to demonstrate the gospel by living out the principles inherent in it."

Embody Christ's love. The gospel transforms not just our relationship with God, but also our relationships with others. As recipients of God's extravagant love and grace, we're called to extend that same love to those around us, even when it's difficult or costly.

Serve sacrificially. Look for practical ways to put others' needs before your own. This might involve giving your time, resources, or skills to help someone in need. It could mean forgiving someone who has wronged you or showing kindness to someone who is difficult to love. Remember, your ability to love others flows from God's love for you.

• Ways to love and serve others:
  • Practice active listening
  • Offer forgiveness freely
  • Meet practical needs
  • Encourage and build up others
  • Share the gospel message
  • Pray for those around you

5. Guard Your Heart and Mind Against Pride and Idolatry

"Pride can attach itself to your theology and feed off it to such a degree that you will believe it actually belongs there."

Recognize subtle dangers. Pride and idolatry are pervasive sins that can infiltrate even our most noble pursuits, including our spiritual growth and theological understanding. Be vigilant in examining your motivations and the things you prioritize above God.

Cultivate humility. Remember that all good things, including your faith and understanding, are gifts from God. Regularly confess your dependence on Him and seek to glorify God rather than yourself. When it comes to idolatry, identify the things you're tempted to trust in or find ultimate satisfaction in apart from God.

• Common forms of pride and idolatry:
  • Intellectual pride in theological knowledge
  • Self-righteousness in moral behavior
  • Idolizing comfort, success, or relationships
  • Seeking approval from others above God
  • Trusting in your own strength or abilities

6. Engage in Meaningful Worship, Both Public and Private

"Private worship is only valuable when you understand that it is not a thing you do in an hour, but the activity of the heart that exists in concentrated periods of devotional exercises and in the very ordinary moments of your days."

Prioritize corporate worship. Gathering with other believers for worship is essential for spiritual growth. Approach these times not just as a consumer, but as an active participant offering praise to God and encouraging others. Come prepared to give as well as receive.

Cultivate personal worship. Develop a consistent pattern of private devotion, including prayer, Bible study, and meditation on God's character. But don't limit worship to these set times; seek to maintain an attitude of worship throughout your day, acknowledging God's presence in everyday moments.

• Elements of meaningful worship:
  • Heartfelt praise and thanksgiving
  • Confession of sin
  • Listening to God's Word
  • Responding in obedience
  • Serving others as an act of worship
  • Communion with God through prayer

7. Develop a Robust Theology That Leads to Action

"Theology is not meant merely to be known, but to be made known."

Study diligently. A strong theological foundation is crucial for mature faith. Invest time in reading Scripture, studying sound theological works, and learning from mature believers. Seek to understand not just isolated doctrines, but how all of God's truth fits together.

Apply truth practically. Knowledge alone is insufficient; true theology should transform your life and compel you to action. Look for ways to apply what you're learning to your daily life, decision-making, and interactions with others. Share the truths you're discovering with those around you, both believers and non-believers.

• Areas where theology should impact life:
  • Personal holiness
  • Evangelism and discipleship
  • Ethical decision-making
  • Worldview and cultural engagement
  • Handling suffering and trials
  • Understanding your purpose and calling

8. Live with Urgency and Eternal Perspective

"Live short; live with urgency. This is the natural outworking of truly embracing our chief end of glorifying God and enjoying him forever."

Embrace life's brevity. Recognize that your time on earth is limited and uncertain. This should motivate you to make the most of each day, living intentionally for God's glory and the good of others. Avoid the trap of constantly putting off important spiritual matters or ministry opportunities.

Keep eternity in view. While fully engaged in your earthly responsibilities, maintain an awareness that this life is not all there is. Let the promise of Christ's return and the hope of eternal life with God shape your priorities, decisions, and how you invest your time and resources.

• Practical ways to live with urgency and eternal perspective:
  • Regularly evaluate your priorities
  • Be intentional in relationships
  • Use your gifts and resources for God's kingdom
  • Share the gospel boldly
  • Pursue spiritual growth diligently
  • Make decisions in light of eternity

Last updated: November 19, 2024