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Relationship with the Body of Christ
– Believers should demonstrate a growing
relationship with the body of Christ as evidenced in these areas:
Community:
An understanding of, and commitment to, the local and universal
Church as a multicultural and multiethnic body for the achievement of Christ’s
purposes within the context of stable and meaningful relationships with fellow
believers.
Unity:
Ability to love and work harmoniously with peers, leaders, and those
served.
Submission:
Surrender to the Word of God and the Lordship of Christ in
relating to those in authority.
Personal Relationships
– Believers should demonstrate a growing maturity in
personal relationships, as evidenced in these areas:
Purity:
An understanding of, and commitment to, integrity in relationships with
others and in personal thinking.
Faithfulness:
Consistent loyalty and responsibility in performing duties,
fulfilling agreements and obligations, and sustaining deep relationships for
mutual edification.
Servanthood:
Humble acknowledgement of God’s faithful provision of our
status, gifts, possessions, and accomplishments, and a readiness to sacrifice
personal preferences and freedoms for the gospel’s advancement.
Relationship with the World
– Believers should demonstrate a desire to serve God
fully as they engage the world, as evidenced in these areas:
Eternal perspective:
An understanding of, and commitment to, the Great
Commission implications of our calling.
Conviction:
Commitment to live in terms of internalized biblical principles that
guide and stabilize attitudes and behavior, and a readiness to stand on biblical
authority.
Perseverance:
Grace when confronted with opposition, determination when
confronted with obstacles, and resiliency in the wake of failure.
Love comprises the driving force in our relationship with God and with all others.
Scripture encourages us to “put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity”
(Colossians 3:14; NASB). We love when we, at our own expense, give and withhold
emotions, words, and actions for the benefit of those we love for the ultimate glory
of God.
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