The Seven
The Seven Characteristics of a follower of Christ were chosen by the early leaders of our church to set a goal for ourselves as we strive to be more like Christ.
While there is no magic to the number seven and you could easily come up with eight or ten or twenty characteristics that we should model, we know there are at least these seven. They are practical barometers of our spiritual health and a guide for our progress as disciples.
Passionately Committed to Christ: Luke 9:23-26
The follower of Christ praises God by disowning themselves for identity in Christ (Galatians 2:20).
- Practice Persistent Prayer
(James 1:5, 5:16; Luke 18:1-14; 1 Peter 5:6-7)
- Engage in Worship
(Psalm 24; 1 Chronicles 16:9)
- Live in Community; accountability with other believers
(Acts 2:42; Proverbs 28:13)
- Disciple Others
(2 Tim. 2:1-2; Titus 2)
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Biblically Measured: John 8:31-32
The follower of Christ grows with a commitment to be a learner and follower of God’s Word, the Holy Bible (1 Cor. 2:2 & 2 Tim. 3:14-15)
- Spend Time in the Word
(Ezra 7:10; 2 Tim. 2:2, 4:2-5)
- Make Biblical Decisions
(Psalm 119:1-16; Joshua 1:8; James 1:22-25; Proverbs 3:5-6)
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Morally Pure: Eph 5:3-8
The follower of Christ publicly and privately manifests their love for God through obedience to His mandates, principles, and commandments. (1 John 2:3-6) The follower seeks to live a holy life (1 Thes. 4:3-8) void of even a suggestion of possible immorality (Col 1:22).
- Strive to be above reproach in all areas
(1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9)
- Leading a pure life free from sexual immorality including, but not limited to, adultery (Ex. 20:14, Gal 5:19); pre-marital sex, homosexuality, or any other form of extramarital sexual relations; (1 Cor. 6:9); or viewing pornography
(Job 31:1, James 1, Romans 12:2)
- Conducting an honest, upright business or professional life
(1Thes. 4:11-13, 1 Tim. 3:1-7)
- Avoiding intemperate use of alcohol and avoiding any use of illegal substances
(1 Tim 3:1-7)
- Maintaining appropriate and healthy conduct with persons of the opposite sex
(see above verses)
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Healthy Families/Relationships: Deut. 6:4-9, Ephesians 4
The follower of Christ consistently affirms the marriage vow as a covenant of faithfulness (1 Cor. 7:2) to a permanent union (1 Cor. 7:10-11) by functioning within the complimentary relationships of the family (1 Cor. 3:18-21). The single follower of Christ will conduct his/her dating relationships in an upright manner (Prov. 5:1-2, 2 Tim. 2:22, Psalm 34:3-7, 1 Tim. 4:12). The Christ follower will promote unity within the body of Christ (1 Thes. 5:12-13; Eph. 4).
- Maintaining Biblical order in relationships
(God, Family, Ministry/Others, Self)
- Positive & uplifting attitude towards others, avoiding gossip & negativism
(1 Tim. 3:7-13)
- Maintaining a kind & even temper, avoiding outbursts, intemperate behavior
(Colossians 3:8-9)
- Promoting unity and trustworthiness in the family and the body of Christ
(1 Thes. 5:12-13, Eph. 4)
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Good Stewards: Luke 21:1-4
The follower of Christ makes available personal resources (2 Cor. 8:3-4) to the work of God’s ministry with a sacrificial heart (2 Cor 9:7).
- Prioritizes giving over the fleeting pleasures of wealth
(Matt. 6:19-24. 2 Cor. 9:12-14)
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Evangelistically Faithful: Matthew 28:19-20
The follower of Christ evidences their confidence (Romans 1:16) in the authority of Christ (1 Cor. 1:18) by a willingness to instruct all whom they encounter (Rom. 10:14-15) on the revealed truth of Jesus Christ as lead by the Holy Spirit.
- Prepared to give out the gospel of hope
(1 Peter 3:15-16)
- Frequently shares faith in both word (2 Tim 4:2) and deed (1 Peter 1:14-16)
- Prayerfully asks that God might call those around them to place their faith in Christ
(Romans 10:1)
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Socially Responsible: Matthew 25:37-40
The follower of Christ seeks to serve (Matt. 20:25-28) with a burdened heart for those in need and ostracized by society. (Gal. 2:10)
- Comforts individuals
(James 1:27)
- Takes responsibility within the community
(Acts 2:45)
- Maintains a Christ-like sacrificial attitude
(Philippians 2:5-7)
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