There are moments when you meet people in your life that one conversation changes your life forever. I have been fortunate enough in my life to meet many amazing people who have not only been a positive impact in my life but others as well.
Today, I want to share with you just a small lesson I learned from a great man who I consider to be one of my mentors (he I am sure is not aware of this) and who is also known worldwide as Grandmaster Professor Don Jacob.
Professor Anthony Don Jacob holds a 9th Degree Black Belt and is the founder of the Don Jitsu Ryu karate system. He has been recognized worldwide receiving multiple awards. He is an author, actor, prominent story teller and humble man with great strength and wisdom.
As one who enjoys the physical and mental exercise received within his system, I am always excited when I receive a gem that ties in so well to my Christian ministry. In studying a part of his system recently, I learnt how to effectively use Grow, Learn, Share, Roots and Resist but my soul was filled with joy on its simple application as a Christian.
Grow
As a Christian, when we first accept the Lord as our Savior there is a sense of peace and excitement. We are new to the fold and excited about how to be a part of the family of God, what should we be doing, etc etc. If we are not careful, we get trapped in just being a one day worshipper and not seeking the help and advice we really need. Many don’t pass the phase of infancy in their Christian maturity and as Paul notes in Hebrews 5:13-14:
“Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil”
Training then is the key.
Learn
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” 2 Timothy 3:16
To train, you can’t teach yourself what you don’t know so you have to go looking for it. There are many great resources out there for all of us. I am an avid reader of books and have committed to reading a minimum of 6 Christian books annually. If you don’t like books then find strong Bible based movies (read the Christian reviews on good ones). Get a concordance, bible dictionary and a great study bible to all help you learn. Listen to great Christian based podcasts. Speak to your pastors and elders in your Church. There are now many options for you out there – many of which are free. You need to be driven to learn in order to succeed.
And when you do learn, share it.
Share
So far this year you would have heard me encourage you all several times to go out there and just serve. You would be amazed how many persons are looking for mentors, or someone to talk to, or in my case with this blog – a resource to read other Christian’s opinions.
Some may not be comfortable in large gatherings… Others may enjoy big groups. Test different situations to see what fits you best.
But be mindful in your sharing.
“You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.” Titus 2:1
So go ahead and study!
Roots
When I think of a strong root base my mind always run to Psalms 1:1-3:
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.”
When we focus on God only and his precepts we have no time for anything else. I have found that only when I weeded out of my life the things and people that were not helping me bear Godly fruit that I started to see and experience a deep sense of peace and success (in which ever form you see this as).
In order to hold firm to what I believe and not be tossed by the wind of every doctrine that comes my way, I have to constantly be in the Word of God and rooted in the knowledge and truth that only HE can provide.
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” Ephesians 4:14
Resist
Resist the devil and his schemes. HE is crafty and will use every opportunity to get in your way and stop you from your purpose. Be on the alert.
But remember you can’t do it in your own strength. This is why it is important to seek God daily. Don’t stop praying, reading HIS Word and fasting. We were not made to be alone so connect with a small group of good Godly people who will keep you accountable and will pray with you.
“I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.” Acts 20:29-31
Food for thought: You never know whose life you could change by just growing in to your maturity as a Christian seeking after God’s own heart and HIS will.
Prayer: Gracious Father, I pray over the life of Professor Don Jacob and other mighty men and women of God who are obeying your command to serve others and in their own way, spread the good news. May we be encouraged and seek your strength, wisdom and guidance to do your will and purpose. We pray for all the saints with all perseverance and petition that they will be on the alert. In Jesus name. Amen.
May the God of grace, mercy and peace be with you.
WOW! Loved how you were able to make this so easy to remember GLSRR: Grow, Learn, Share, Roots, Resists
Giving all the glory to God. Pray you are well and feeling blessed. Love and blessings.