Dear family
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations.”
The command is as obvious as day. However, it seems our understanding of how to carry out the command is not as clear.
I don’t think that there is an one-size-fits-all approach to disciple making outlined in Scripture. The process definitely looks different for each of us based on our strengths, context and training. However, as we consider how to make disciples in our specific circumstances, we must be mindful of the principles and examples found throughout Scripture.
Paul wrote two brief sentences in his letter to the Colossians which caught my eye the other day and I have taken a few principles from it for disciple making – what to follow and what not. We must take this to heart, no matter how narrow or broad our definition of disciple making is.
In Colossians 1:28-29, Paul writes, “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that He powerfully works within me.”
To follow: Proclaim Jesus.
“We proclaim Him.” Disciple making is first and foremost about proclaiming Jesus and making much of His name. We share the most wonderful news about who Christ is and what he has done with both the lost and the saved. Making disciples has an outward focus. We don’t invest in people just for their own sake; we also consider the people they will affect.
Not to follow: Proclaiming ourselves.
Even if we are “proclaiming Jesus” outwardly in how we make disciples, we must ensure that our motive is to make much of Him rather than ourselves.
To follow: Teaching and Warning with Wisdom.
Teaching, or instruction, may appear to be an obvious component of disciple making. However, this passage demonstrates that it is our responsibility not only to teach those we disciple the right way, but also to warn them when they are heading in the wrong direction. We must not remain silent when those we disciple live in opposition to the Scriptures out of love for them. We must constantly seek the Lord’s wisdom and guidance as we disciple others.
Not to follow: People-pleasing and harshness.
You may be someone who avoids conflict because of your personality. The temptation for you will be to avoid difficult conversations with those you lead in order to please them. If you value power and control, you may be more inclined to be harsh in your correction. Remember that Scripture also says that this must be done in a gentle and loving spirit (Galatians 6:1).
To follow: To Present Everyone Mature in Christ.
The goal of disciple making is for all believers to become more like Jesus, not just converts who make converts. True disciple making entails investing in people, walking alongside them through life, and shepherding them to Christian maturity.
Not to follow: Seeking fulfilment in being needed.
Allow those you disciple not to become overly reliant on you. Instead of being Jesus to them, point them to Jesus. Don’t let your desire to be the hero prevent you from challenging those you lead in ways that they truly require.
To follow: Toil and Struggle.
Making disciples is purposeful and rewarding, but like most valuable things, disciple making requires energy, time, and hard work.
Paul uses the words “toil” and “struggle” to describe his ministry. In this passage, the Greek word translated as “toil” means “to become weary, tired, or exhausted,” or “to labour with wearisome effort.” And the word “struggle” is frequently used to describe the strenuous effort required for an athletic competition or a fight. Paul fought and laboured until he was exhausted in order to present mature believers in Christ. Making disciples cost him dearly, and it should cost us as well.
Not to follow: Idolizing ease of life.
We value convenience and ease of living. We frequently believe that if we are uncomfortable or strained, something is wrong. If we operate under this lie, we will only make half-hearted disciples. If making disciples does not involve struggle and sacrifice, we should consider whether we have become too comfortable.
To follow: With His Energy.
Paul says he toils and struggles, but he immediately adds an important clause. “I toil, struggling with all His energy that He powerfully works within me.”
While discipleship requires a significant amount of energy, the good news is that the Lord provides us with His. We toil and struggle, but we have Him on whom we can rely. The power of God, not our energy, will ultimately do the work of transforming hearts and lives. We are simply tools in His hands.
Not to follow: Dependence on self.
As we progress in our relationship with God and our understanding of God’s Word, we may become less aware of our need for the Lord in spiritual leadership. However, the truth is that we never stop needing Him. It is the power of God working within us, not our knowledge or skill, that will develop disciples. We must constantly acknowledge that in front of Him, rely on Him in prayer, and never fall victim to trusting in our own abilities.
May you experience our Lord Jesus Christ in a tangible way this Easter. May His love overwhelm you.
Blessings and Love
dirk