A Healthy Church Member is Gospel Saturated – Part Three
Deacons, I am returning to the idea of being gospel saturated after a few weeks off. We know that it is important to be gospel saturated men, for being so is transformational for ourselves and the Church. We know that there are specific disciplines of the Christian life that promote gospel saturated lives. I now want to challenge you with three more goals for your life, which you can achieve as a gospel saturated person.
First, take it to its natural conclusion in your life. Anyabwile borrowed this thought from John Piper. We need to work in our Christian life to see that the gospel moves us to embrace God fully, behold God in all His glory, delight in God above all other things, and display God’s supreme beauty and worth. As we become gospel saturated people these things will be the natural result. Finding ourselves loving and serving God with our whole being is what we ought to desire, and the natural conclusion of being gospel saturated people is just that.
Second, let it animate every area of your life. Let it change the way you talk about others. Let it propel you to be an encouraging and correcting influence in the lives of others. Let it direct your career and relationship decisions. Let it govern how you invest your time, money, energy and emotions.
Third, share it with others. I’m sorry to say that it really isn’t enough to live a good clean life in front of others. It isn’t enough to have a smile on your face, joy in your heart and a good work ethic when you are concerned about obeying the command of Christ to make disciples. We must share the gospel and as we become increasingly saturated by it, we will be compelled to do so.
In all of these things you will be promoting a healthy, obedient and spiritually minded Church, where the work of the gospel is a natural thing not something forced by programs or personalities.
May God strengthen us to a consistent and active pursuit of a gospel saturated life.
The basis for these writings on being a Healthy Church member are from Anyabwile, Thabiti M.What is a Healthy Church Member?. Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books, 2008.