The GB Aim: Growing
The aim of the Girls’ Brigade is to help girls become followers of the Lord Jesus Christ and through self control, reverence and a sense of responsibility to find true enrichment of life.
‘Lean down the mount!’
‘Don’t sit back, you will fall!’
‘Make yourself lean forwards, it’s the only way’!
A doubtful and unwilling ski student kept hearing these instructions being issued, and when faced with a downward view of snow and steep hill, she chose of course … to sit back. The result? A hard landing, and very wet clothes!
A pair of skis and poles, one body, and one slippery slope covered in snow do not necessarily combine well – not initially anyway! However, with t he help of an instructor and a willingness to trust, listen and emulate, gradual progress may be made! Self control doesn’t come naturally – especially when sitting back seems safer or easier!
The expression self control usually conjures up a very restrictive, even kill-joy image. DON’T, CAN’T, SHOULDN’T … yet as followers of Jesus perhaps we should take a step away from the simple do’s and don’ts to look at the real issue – learning to please the Lord in the way that we live, allowing the Holy Spirit to really live in us.
Titus 2: 11 & 12 – “… the grace of God … teaches us to live self controlled, upright lives.”
Ephesians 5: 1 – “… Be imitators of Christ.”
As ‘learners of Christ’ (disciples) our lifestyle should be changing day by day, in response to Jesus’ teaching. Part of the expression of our love for God is in allowing His Holy Spirit to make us more like Jesus.
Am I becoming more like Jesus?
- How have I changed for the better since beginning to follow Jesus?
- Are my patterns of behaviour determined by today’s standards and peoples expectations – OR by what Jesus teaches?
- Am I struggling to please the Lord in any specific area or relationship?
- What aspects of my character do I need God’s Spirit to work on the most?
If a group of girls are negative about following Jesus because where seem to be too many ‘do’s and ‘don’ts’ involved how would you help them look at the issue of pleasing God?
Could you share openly with them about how the Holy Spirit has been changing you, or how you deal with areas of difficulty in self control?
Galatians 5: 16-27
Read Gal 5: 16-27 and look beyond the ‘restrictions’, toward learning to please God through letting the Holy Spirit take control of your thoughts, attitudes and actions.
Lord Jesus, even when it is difficult to let go of my own desires, and follow your will only, please help me to be open to you. Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Thank you that as I allow His power to work in my life I can become more like you!
