Blessed is everyone … who walks in his [God’s] ways! Psalm 128:1

By: Scott Schuler

What does it mean to be a Christian?

When I ask that question of people, many of them explain their faith in terms of salvation – that they have been delivered, or saved, from sin and eternal separation from God through their faith in Jesus.

God is clear that salvation is His work (Psalm 3:8) and it is by His hand we are saved. He also says that teaching others how to walk in relationship with Jesus is the Church’s responsibility (Matthew 28:18-20). I’m talking big “C” Church – God’s Church, His people who are a community of Jesus followers.

But when I follow that question with, “Great! Now what are your next steps as you walk in your relationship with Jesus?” I often get blank stares. Why is this? Perhaps it is because no one is teaching them the what now!

For ten years I struggled to understand the now what? It took another twenty years to get it. Frustrated by this, I set out to create a solution. I write to teach what God has taught me. I teach to lead and raise up other teachers of the Word. And I lead everyone to Jesus, no matter what I am doing, because this is who I am.

My purpose in all of this: to lead others who’ve been where I was, to the transforming power of Jesus on their way to becoming an uncommon Christian. Sounds like a super power, doesn’t it? Well, that’s because only the supernatural power of Jesus transforms us into an uncommon Christian. What is the difference?

Common Christians know about Jesus, but haven’t allowed Him to change them.

They choose religion to fill their heart voids, leaving them to struggle in their own strength with the same habits, sins and behaviors. Why? Because they trust head knowledge over desiring heart transformation. The fundamental objective of the common Christian is salvation because it provides eternal assurance, without requiring internal change.

Uncommon Christians want more of Jesus and the abundant life He offers.

Their focus is not only on learning more, but becoming less of self so they can experience Jesus work in and through them. They want action-oriented Christianity and not reactionary religion. Their ultimate aspiration: to discover the path that reveals their purpose and empowers them to leave an eternal legacy for Jesus, no matter what the cost.

We must ask ourselves which one we aspire to be – the common Christian or the uncommon Christian transformed through the supernatural power of Jesus?

Regardless of how we answer this question, or what our age or spiritual maturity may be, I encourage everyone to step into a journey with Jesus. Join me and I’ll be your “tour guide,” one blog at a time.

I promise Jesus wants to reveal Himself to us in special and personal ways, so that we may experience abundant life together in him. Accept His invitation and expect the unexpected!

If you have you struggled with understanding your spiritual maturity, now or in the past, what has helped you move forward? Be sure to leave your thoughts or comments in the section below.

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