Growing in the Lord

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Col. 2:6-7 NLT

There is a young man I know, that is a Christian, but struggles everyday with ordinary life. He never seems to have any peace and can't figure out why. He isn't alone. There are probably thousands more just like him. Of course when it's time to go to church, I almost have to plan ahead 3 days in advance to get him to come. He can always find something he would rather do "this week," but will go next time. It's the same with Bible study, when he goes he always comes out encouraged and fired up, but it's a struggle to get him to go.
I've prayed for him many times, and finally asked the Lord to show me the problem. I thought it might be the way I was approaching him. If I was doing something wrong, I wanted to know what so I could change it. I came up with several scriptures that relieved me of my responsibility for this brother, eased my conscience so to speak. I knew that was my flesh, I wasn't looking for relief for me, I wanted to understand why this young man doesn't seem to have a hunger for God.
Today,I received this verse out of Colossians, on facebook. This particular individual come rushing into my mind and I knew I had found the answer I have been looking for. He has no root system. So I had to ask, "Lord how can he become rooted in You, if I can't even get him into church on a regular basis?"
The Bible teaches us to go throughout the world, "Making Disciples." I think one of the greatest mistakes we make as a Church is that we spend all of our energy on getting people saved. After they come to the Lord, we just sort of pat them on the back, tell them to pay their tithes and basically send them on their way. We need to assume some responsibility for those we helped bring to the Lord. Spend time with them, teach them. Like little children, new Christians need someone to mentor them and lead them by the hand for a while. Ultimately they will be the one to have to make the decision to become rooted in the Lord, but we need to water the young plant so the roots will grow strong.
If you're struggling as a young Christian, or would like to know more about Jesus, click on one of the church links on this page. If you need prayer, or just want someone to communicate with, contact me directly. rlwhitener@gmail.com Please write "prayer request," in the subject line.
Thanks for following along.
God Bless.