If any believer thinks they have mastered the Christian life, they have not studied the marks of a true Christian given by Paul in Romans 12:9-21.
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Scottish pastor Maurice Roberts once said, "The best believers find their (growth in godliness) slow and their attainments meager." What's important, however, according to author Donald Whitney "is not the speed but direction" (44). Ask yourself today, "Am I making convincing progress in my growth in godliness, however slow, or am I regressing?"
Whitney, Donald. Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health. Colorado Springs: Navpress. 2001. 44.
