the9ways Challenge
As Christians we are to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." (Hebrews 10:24) In other words, we are to challenge each other to grow and mature in our faith. the9ways Challenge is a challenge to you to take up the following spiritual growth practices in your life. As you look over these you may decide that it would be too hard for you to do this. You're right, it will be hard. But suffering the consequences of spiritual immaturity is harder in the long run. So the following is a challenge to you. If you are the type of person who likes to "go for it" then try to tackle all of these at the same time. If you are more of a "baby steps" person, then figure out how to gradually get to these levels in the baby steps that make sense for you. Or maybe you're the type that like interval training -- you like to go hard and then take breaks. Whatever fits your personality type is best.
Pray Daily
Daily prayer is part of mature relationship with God. Don't just seek out your heavenly Father in case of emergency. Seek him regularly, with faith and perseverance.
Study Daily
Read the Scriptures on a daily basis. When you come across a difficult passage consult respected Bible commentaries and dictionaries for help. Along with your Bible study be encouraged and inspired by great Christian writing.
Worship Weekly
Make it your regular practice to be in worship on weekly basis. Center your attention on worshipping God, and not how you happen to feel. Come with a sense of anticipation that God will be present in a special way when the church gathers for worship.
Fellowship Regularly
Don't get to church late and leave early and avoid contact with the people. Be a part of Christian fellowship. Introduce yourself to people. Be encouraging. Build up community. Be part of community.
Serve Regularly
Church is not just a place to "go." It's a place to "do." As Christians we are servants of our Lord, each of us taking our place in his church. Find a place to pitch in. Experiment with different service opportunities. Soon you will find what fits you best and come to an understanding of what your spiritual gifts are.
Give Honorably
Don't give as an afterthought. Give with forethought. Plan your giving back to God. Followers of God have always returned an appropriate, respectful, honorable portion of what they have to him. Christians are led in their giving by the Holy Spirit. But being led by the Spirit is not a valid reason to "get away with" giving next to nothing because we are not "under the law" and "don't have to tithe." Pray about it. Seek out God's direction about what an honorable amount would be for you to give.
Share Your Faith Intentionally
The opportunity to share your faith is something to continually seek. Pray for opportunities to share your faith. Be able to communicate the Gospel, the fundamental message about Jesus. Get to where you can share the impact Jesus has had in your life. Be familiar with good resources you can give to people who you are sharing your faith with.
Show Compassion Regularly
There are so many people who need prayer and compassion and a helping hand. Get involved with opportunities to be with people who need help. Find a way to actually be in the presence of people who are having a tough time. If you aren't physically able to get out, then give them and encouraging card, phone call or e-mail. Be able to listen without having to "fix" the other person. Grow in your ability to be compassionate.
Be Spiritually Honest
Be straightforward with God and with another person about your own sins and areas of personal weakness and vulnerability. As you confess your sins to another Christian and to God you will break their power in your life, and you will be free to grow.