I can often feel quite overwhelmed as to how I am supposed to disciple people. God called us to disciple the nations and I want to do that but I am unsure as to how I can do that. I am also in a position of leadership, whether I want to be or not, I am. In positions of leadership one has influence. People look at what they do closely, some to learn and others to find fault. Either way people are influenced by leaders actions. So this means that I have influence. What does this mean to me? Or a better way to put it would be, what does this mean for me?
This means that I need to be careful of what I do and how I act. Paul did an excellent job at this. He had the correct attitude for it because he acted without any selfish intent. Many people today, especially those with influence act with their own desires in mind. But Paul was acting with God’s interests in mind and in his heart. This is something that I really look up to and need more of. I need to come into that position with God that I am more concerned with His Kingdom all the time rather than just some of the time. He is the reason why I am doing what I am doing, and why I have been blessed with what I have, it’s because of Him. Most importantly, It’s because of God that I am saved. These things were not brought about by me but simply by the grace of God. So how do I portray that to others? Good question Brodie, I’m glad you asked:)
Well I think it starts with the way I live. I want to live in a way that glorifies God. And because God has blessed me with so many things freely, I am humbled. It’s not because of me that I am saved, but it’s because of God. So because of God’s grace I am blessed and that same grace is available to everyone else who believes as well. It is not limited to me but is offered freely to everyone else. This is how I can be an example to others. It was by no works of mine that I earned salvation, but it was given to me by faith, so I point people to God with my faith in Him. And because it was by grace and it was a gift I have no right to be prideful because the same grace is available to everyone who believes. So to live as an example I need to live my life so that my faith is visible on the outside so that people can see it and understand that it is not me who does the work but God though me, He is simply using me. It sounds mean in this worlds standards but I regard it as a privilege. Why? Well imagine the creator of the universe deciding to work through me to help mold His Kingdom. That is not something to be fearful of because I know that God is good, so it is something that brings joy.
So with these things in mind, I think that the best way to disciple people is to, simply put, disciple them from God’s perspective and agenda. That is easier said than done. So my goal is to grow closer to the Lord, to be led by the spirit so that I can have the Godly perspective to better disciple people. So Lord help me:)
