NavTools - The Navigators

Part three of four:

Maturing in Christlike Character

Certain life issues are common to us all. We may grow out of some challenges, but we will lilkely grow into new ones. As we allow the Word of God to mature us in the following life issues, we will develop a foundation to handle the many challenges that come our way.

1. Love
Love can be difficult. Memorize 1 John 4:11 (also Psalm 89:1,2; John 15:17) to motivate yourself to love others.

1 John 4:11
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:11

2. Prayer
The fact that you get to talk to the Creator of the universe is an amazing privilege. Memorize this (also Psalm 62:8; 1 Samuel 12:23).

1 Thessalonians 5:17,18
Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:17,18

3. Worship
We ought to worship all the time—in a church service or while walking down the street. Memorize this (also Psalm 95:6,7; John 4:24).

Hebrews 13:15
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.
Hebrews 13:15

4. Purity
Purity is important because it illustrates Christlikeness. Memorize this (also Philippians 4:8; Proverbs 4:23).

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10

5. Giving
Giving is not merely a donation of money. Giving is also a sharing of time, possessions, and energy. Memorize this (also Acts 4:32; James 2:15,16).

1 Peter 4:10
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10

6. Study
Study was important to Jesus during His time on earth; it should be important to us as well. Memorize this (also 1 Corinthians 14:20; Psalm 119:34).

Deuteronomy 4:9
Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Deuteronomy 4:9

7. Perseverance
God asks us to persevere through the tough times, and by doing so, we grow into more complete followers of Jesus. Memorize this and you will grow in your ability to persevere (also 2 Timothy 2:3; Hebrews 6:11,12).

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who preservers under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12

8. Humility
Humility comes from recognizing that there is nothing we have or are that comes from us. Memorize this (also
1 Peter 3:8; James 3:13).

Jeremiah 9:23,24a
This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me.”
Jeremiah 9:23,24a