~DISCIPLESHIP~
We hear it and see it everywhere. We, the church, have become so consumed with adding numbers that we’ve completely left out the substance of what God asked us, as followers and believers of Christ, to do…
Go Make Disciples.
Granted, yes, like I said, some churches “get it”, but we see the majority just taking attendance. Therefore, completely missing the substance that is absolutely necessary to see the church on fire for the Gospel.
We try so hard to make programs, events, and to fill our pews with numbers, but we’ve lost the true focus of it all, and the saddest part, Jesus himself and the Holy Spirit aren’t even present at times.
As long as we can get folks to make a decision, sign a card, join the church, and dunk them under water, we’ve done “our duty” and “that’s all that matters,” right?
I’m afraid that line of thinking couldn’t be more wrong.
Relationships are messy, but you know what though? They’re worth it, because, people are worth it, and seeing people come to know Jesus and his goodness, love, mercy, and freedom, is worth it. I’m talking about being set-free and really coming into a relationship of knowing who we are and who he is!
Men, I’m afraid we’re just not rising up and investing in lives like Jesus did.
We’ve become such an individualistic society, we don’t want to invest, we don’t want to be vulnerable, and we’re not open to “being interrupted” by others messes. We only see the surface of a person, and not their heart, because if we truly seen their heart, we’d say, “They’re worth it.”
However, Jesus did it, so why aren’t we doing the same?
Everyday we should be asking God for his eyes to see people the way he sees them, and then literally pour out everything we have to disciple those individuals to know the One that we’ve come to know. It isn’t rocket science, but it does take time and effort on our parts.
I know if people didn’t chose to invest in my mess and show me the ropes, I wouldn’t be sitting here in Bolivia, as a missionary, as we speak.
“I just don’t know God’s will for my life, so I’m just gonna pray until He shows me how I’m suppose to be involved and serve the church.” If you’re honest with yourself, you’ve probably said that at time or two. I know I sure have. I’m going to call it like it is though, that’s a lie. God gave us his command and his will for our lives. He told us to make disciples. That might not be his “specific will” for your life, but that doesn’t matter. That means wherever you are, and whatever you’re putting your hand to, you make disciples there. Stop making excuses and start doing.You don’t have to kill yourself doing it. It just takes stepping out and saying, “Yes, Lord.” He’ll show you whom to pour into.
Maybe you’re reading this and saying, “Dustin Mick, I don’t know what making disciples even looks like. I’m not ready to pour out.” That’s ok, too. I don’t care if you’ve been a Christian your whole life, you can find somebody to disciple you (which is evidence that we, the church, have done poorly at this, because we don’t even know what it means to disciple folks). I’m not being judgmental, but rather bringing to light the command of God.
Truth is, anybody could disciple anyone. Men, women, young folks, we’re all called to do it. However, I feel a strong sense in my heart from the Lord, that if men would step up and answer the call, it would be a catalyst that changed the lives of many.
To be continued…
