I’ve been frustrated over and over again over the past two years or so by people who don’t respond with dedication to my investment into them. People are fickle, my generation in particular. But I find myself overcome by the frustration of lack of reciprocation and fall off the horse myself as a result.
I asked one of my spiritual fathers recently how many young men actually respond to his high level of investment into them by saying, “I’d like to come under your headship for a time.”
“None,” he told me.
I got an email a few weeks ago from a guy I’d never met requesting discipleship. I realize that most of discipleship will come not from my end, but from his. I can give all I want, but if this guy isn’t overcome by hunger, he won’t get there. I think I’m finally starting to understand Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek me and you will find me when you seek me with all your heart.” It takes all of one’s heart!
So, I set these expectations for him. If you are being discipled, I recommend them for you as well.
1. Check in with me weekly, letting me know what God is teaching you and how you’re acting on it.
2. Ask me insightful questions.
3. Seek me out.
4. After I challenge you, get back with me about what you hear me saying and give me a plan of action.
5. Do what you plan to do.
6. Let me know how that goes (follow up with me).
7. Lead others where you’re headed.
In contrast, this is what I promised him. Granted, all of what I have is available to him, but it’s up to him to go and get it.
I can challenge you.
I can answer questions.
I can ask questions.
I can encourage you.
In fact, I haven’t really done this yet myself either. It’s something I want to focus intently on in the near future.
If there’s someone out there who is willing to pour into you, you would
do well to take most of the initiative.
