The third foundational truth is about how to really mature in your faith. The Bible says that it’s not about how “spiritual” you look or act, but whether you love people enough to help them.
Foundations Truth #3: We grow by helping others
Think about how the world measures growth, maturity, or success. What’s the “win” in the business world? It’s about personal advancement. Greatness in our culture is a “me” thing. But not with Jesus.
Mark 9:33-35 After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples,“What were you discussing out on the road?” But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”
[Related: Jesus Wasn’t Unwilling to Serve]
Jesus taught that we advance in the Kingdom of God by looking outward. If he was willing to sacrifice, so should we. It should characterize our lives. There are three ways to do it:
We grow by serving people
It’s the Kingdom upside-down of Jesus’ world. Do you want to be great? Serve others. That’s what Jesus did, and that’s what he expects of his followers.
John 13:12-15 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.
Galatians 5:13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
[Related: The One Another Life]
We grow by giving financially
Looking outward should also affect our pocketbooks. How we spend our money says a lot about who we value the most. That’s why mature Christians are givers.
2 Corinthians 8:7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.
Matthew 6:19-21 Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Truly mature disciples give to Kingdom-advancing purposes: the local church, world missions, and more.
[Related: Re-Thinking the Role of Money]
The greatest way to grow is by mentoring others
Jesus called it “disciple-making.” Simply defined, it’s helping people pursue God. And every Christian is called to do it, not just the pastors. Jesus called fisherman, after all.
Matthew 28:18-19 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations…”
Mentoring someone is not as hard as it seems. The resources at pursueGOD.org are designed to empower topic-at-a-time discipleship, equipping you to help someone pursue God. Consider reaching out to a friend, family member, or neighbor to walk with them toward their own “full circle” pursuit of God.
[Related: How to Help Someone Pursue God]
[Related Series: Mentor Training]
Discussion Questions:
- Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- Give some examples of the selfish things young children do. When do they become less selfish?
- Give an example of an organization or industry where people serve less as they get promoted.
- Read Philippians 2:4-8. What can you do this week to begin to have more of a servant’s attitude toward others?
- Read and discuss Matthew 6:19-21. How does this affect the way you think about giving?
- Who helped you pursue God? How did they do it? Do you think you can help someone else pursue God? Why or why not?
- Make a list of a few people in your life who could benefit from your help. What practical things can you do to begin to reach out?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
