10 Ways To Take Your Faith to The Next Level
No one ever said being a Christian was easy.
God gives us everything and asks for everything in return—our time, our talents, ourselves. We’re called to be Christ’s ambassadors, and to reflect God in everything we do.
But, in the midst of our daily lives, filled as they are with our duties, deadlines and responsibilities, we often lose track of our highest calling.
What follows are a few suggestions on how to draw closer to God and better convey His love to those around you.
Some are easy. Some require more effort. But all can help remind you of one key truth: As a Christian, your life is not your own.
Here are 10 ways to take your faith to the next level…
1. Read the Bible.
The Word of God is perhaps the most critical aspect of growing as a Christian.
Taking a little time each day to read the Bible can both educate and inspire, and it will help you center your focus on what’s most important.
Just think… Anything and everything we may go through in this life, the Bible has already covered. Use it as a blueprint to navigate your Christian walk.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12
2. Pray.
You have to put God before anything and thank God for everything, pray when you get up (and read the Bible), pray before you eat, and pray before you go to sleep (and read the Bible).
Family, friends, and our loved ones can be great support systems, but remember to take it to God before you take it to anyone else.
Even if its a simple “Thank You, Lord”.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. – Philippians 4:6
3. Volunteer.
Serve at a soup kitchen.
Teach underprivileged children how to read. Volunteer online.
Give someone the most precious gift you have: Your time. By serving others, you mimic Jesus’ own heart and convey His love—and learn just how truly rewarding volunteering can be.
There are so many people in this world that can benefit from what you have to offer. Use your gifts to give back to those in need.
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. – Hebrews 13:16
4. Give tithes to the Church.
Our tithes provide for our churches and help them to continue to reach more people.
If you are truly trusting God to provide for you, then you know He can (and will) provide all your needs, even when it seems like you can’t afford to tithe.
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7
5. Pray for and Minister to Others
Praying for others requires we lay aside our own selfish needs.
Intercessory prayer is open and unselfish.
Some people have a deep burden to pray for others; intercession is their gift.
But all of us have been called to pray and to pray often.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. – James 5:16
6. Donate/Give.
Help those less fortunate than yourself.
God calls us to be His hands and feet, but let’s face it: We can’t be everywhere.
But through our finances, we can make God’s love felt across the street or across the globe.
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35
7. Get active.
Join a ministry at your church. Choir, Outreach, Usher, etc. Wherever you’re needed.
The church is to carry on what Jesus preached.
Many churches have outreach ministries, homeless ministries, etc.
But they rely on the help of their members to help win souls for Christ.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25
8. Participate in a Bible Study.
Beginning with Jesus and His disciples, Christianity has always been a communal faith.
We’re meant to search for God together.
By sharing insights, you build on each other’s knowledge – and maybe help each other through tough patches, too.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s better to read and understand than to read and assume.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
9. Make Time for Devotion.
It can be tough to carve out time for devotions, but spending a few minutes each morning with God’s Word (and a quality guide) can make a huge difference in how you feel about and spend—your day.
I don’t know about you, but my day just seems to go a little smoother when I start my day on a positive note.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8
10. Forgive.
It’s perhaps one of the hardest things we’re called to do as Christians.
When we’ve been hurt, the last thing we want to do is get hurt again.
We want to punish the one who hurt us. But in doing so, we end up punishing ourselves.
Christ calls us to unclench our fists and forgive those who persecute us.
And, if we do so, we learn that forgiveness isn’t so much to help them, but us.
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. – Matthew 6:14-15
