DISCIPLESHIP:
One of the greatest tools in our spiritual tool box is something that we haven’t discussed yet in this space. It is one of the three parts of our “How” that we discussed last week in our conversation about the Golden Circle concept. Today’s tool is discipleship.
I’m not sure what you think when you get hear or read the term discipleship, but I have, since I was a little kid always thought about the 12 disciples. When I think discipleship I think about 12 guys in robes sitting around a fire or on a mountain listening to the words of Jesus, just like it happened in the coloring books from my childhood Sunday School class.
While this may or may not have happened this way it does conjure up similar images in most of us. Although it may not be totally accurate it does give you a picture of what discipleship can look like. Discipleship can be learning in a small group environment. We talked about this idea when we discussed fellowship a few weeks ago. Discipleship can also look like and is often most effective in one to one interactions. Older generations set examples to younger generations. We take our cues from the people that have been there and done that before. Discipleship takes this to the next level because it requires a commitment from both the person who is being the example and the person who is following that example. Instead of observing one another from a distance the two would have to engage in conversation, accountability and even some biblical study. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Prov 27:17)
Discipleship is essential in how we spread the Gospel, it is actually how we were instructed to spread the Gospel. It’s important for us to remember that discipleship wasn’t something that Christ suggested to us, it was something that He commanded us to do. This week pray about who in your life you could begin to disciple, also pray for someone who may begin to disciple you. Growing together in our faith deepens not only our knowledge of God, but our desire to serve Him.