Is there anyone out there who needs practical help living the Christian life? I might be first in line to admit I do. I’m long past any idea I might have had that I could do it myself. What’s more, as time goes by I see more clearly that was never God’s intention. In fact, he intends for us to use what he has provided. Recently, on the Desiring God website, I came upon 5 Biblical steps for practical help using the acronym APTAT.
We know we are to live by faith (Galatians 2:20), keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25), and serve by the strength that God supplies (1 Peter 4:11). Or to say it another way, we are to trust Christ, we are to be helped by the Holy Spirit, and we are to serve others by the strength God supplies so that “in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:11). But how does that work itself out hour by hour especially in times and situations that feel stressful, challenging, or tempting?
“Picture yourself facing some challenge now. A confrontation with an antagonist. A difficult visit to the doctor. A chance to tell someone about what Christ means to you. A lesson to teach. A job to apply for. An exam to take. A move to make. Too many things to do in one day. Etc!! What do you do so that when the challenge is past and the day is done, you can say, I lived by faith; I walked by the Spirit; I served in the strength that God supplied; to him be the glory?”
“Every day there are obstacles to making the right choice: fear, pride, addiction to comfort-and these come in all shapes and sizes.”
When you are faced with a challenge or temptation do APTAT.
A: ADMIT you need Christ’s help (John 15:5).
P: PRAY for God’s help (Psalm 50:15).
T: TRUST the promises of God. We need an arsenal of promises ready to use such as Isaiah 41:10.
A: ACT in faith based on a promise of God. Go ahead; ACT (2 Cor. 3:5).
T: THANK God giving him the glory for the outcome (Colossians 3:17).
If this seems like it would be helpful to you I suggest putting the basics on a 3X5 card and carry it with you until practice becomes a first response. -- Diane Laxen
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 NIV
For more help go to desiringgod.org and type APTAT in the search box