What defines a Christian? Some weeks ago, whilst watching a reality tv programme, I observed an encounter between an evangelical Christian family and their guests, who were of another faith. The group talked about religion and belief over dinner, and the host family explained that their belief in Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection, were at the core of their faith. Their guests concluded that essentially being good and kind were the key characteristics of a life of faith.

It got me thinking about what it is that makes a Christian.  I love the imagery in John 3:6 (the Message version) which makes it clear that the Holy Spirit is revealed to and in us, and our lives will reflect the person we are becoming.

“When you look at a baby, it’s just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can’t see and touch—the Spirit—and becomes a living spirit.”

John 3:6

There are many ways in which our Christian lives are shaped as we go through life. In our church kids’ group this term we’ve been learning about the armour of God. We’ve crafted a Roman soldier out of a giant cardboard box to help us explain to our young people how the Bible holds the truth about our salvation and shows us how to live a Christian life. But what does using the Bible as our guide mean in practice?

In order to grow and develop as Christians we must place the word of God front and centre in our everyday life. We might hear it and read it; sing songs of praise and petition based on it; listen to others share their understanding of it; compile our own reflections on it; and read accounts of lives transformed by it.

Going to church, hearing passages from the Bible being read and unpacked by those with the gift of preaching, or leading worship, or prayer, is one way of hearing God’s message to us and understanding how it applies to our life. And when we do, are we alive to hearing a challenge requiring our response; a practical application to live out in our community or workplace; or guidance for a specific situation in which we find ourselves?

Small group Bible study is another valuable setting for discussion about the application of God’s word in our lives. Working through Bible passages or themes with fellow Christians enables us to learn from the experience of others at different stages in their own faith and provides an opportunity for us to share our questions and insights as we seek to grow in faith and encourage one another.

While reading the Bible and learning alongside others is beneficial, the discipline of personal Bible reading not only increases our knowledge of the Scriptures but provides a quiet time to discern God’s prompting or encouragement.  Years ago I heard a preacher explain that, while he knew in principle it was important to build a relationship with God through daily Bible study, he did not always remember or make the conscious decision to open his Bible in the midst of his busy professional and personal life. So, he made a simple change and, each night before going to bed, set his Bible at his place at the breakfast table. This meant that reading the Bible was part of his morning routine, however pressed for time he was, and it would require a conscious effort to choose not to spend that time in reading, reflection and prayer. This really resonated with me, although I’m not a breakfast person, so I leave mine in my study where I will encounter it before work or my morning run gets underway!  How do you make your personal Bible study a priority?

It can be helpful to use devotional notes and a study Bible to give context to, and explanation of, what we are reading. In past months my daily readings have been from 2 Chronicles. Despite having read it before, this time the account of Josiah’s reforms in chapter 34 really stood out for me. As he and the people of Israel turned back to God, they found the Book of the Law in the temple. When Josiah heard the word of the Law, he realised that the people had not been living in accordance with it. He was filled with remorse, sought advice from the prophets, taught the people about God’s law, and promised to follow the Lord with all his heart and all his soul. The people followed suit. I was struck by the power of the word of God demonstrated in this passage.  It not only convicts, but it tells us how to respond, and it provides us with the framework we need to live in a way that honours God.

As an aid to personal reflection, I am one of those people who practise journalling. Perhaps you already keep a journal too? I find that noting Bible truths or meaningful verses, and recording prayers is a helpful method of articulating thoughts and identifying themes in my Bible study or prayer life. It is quite something to look back and see the ways in which God has worked out His plan in our lives, bit by bit, or has answered prayers I did not even think to pray at the time.

As we reflect on what it is that shapes us in Christian growth – the Holy Spirit – it’s a reminder of the importance of proactive study of, and learning from, God’s word on a daily basis and in different settings. It is the Bible that provides the framework for us to understand the enormity of what Jesus has done and sets out the action required from us as we respond to the amazing grace of God.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10

Please note that the statements and views expressed in this article of those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Contemporary Christianity.