Can I claim to be a follower of Christ if I choose to live for myself? I have no right to say that I am a disciple of Christ unless I possess the “mind of Christ.” (see 1 Corinthians 2:15-16 ) But the call of our Lord is no less than to die to self and live for Him. This begins with the words that I say, the things that I do, and the attitude which I display.
Can I claim to be a follower of Christ if I neglect His primary call for my life? His teaching in Matthew 28:19 to “make disciples” goes far beyond the original eleven followers. This command extends to me. Can I be a disciple, or apprentice, of Christ and fail to do that which our Lord Himself did?
Most Christians agree that making disciples for Christ is a difficult, time-consuming, and sometimes heart-breaking task. We simply cannot change others or make them love Christ. That is why we have the gift of the Holy Spirit. He is the One who equips us for “making disciples” of others.
Discipleship in church settings has often taken the form of classes, programs, or sermons. While I refuse to limit the ability of the Holy Spirit to use anything for the glory of God, these methods have proven to have little impact on the Body. Maybe the answer is something much more personal and simple. Maybe disciple-making is relational and best accomplished in the midst of daily life. This was the method of Christ.
In the next few weeks, I will be writing on this subject of discipleship. I am going to use the four pieces of “Spirit-led Connecting” to show that these elements also apply to the ministry of disciple-making. But I want to leave you with one warning: You are making disciples- either of yourself or of Christ. Someone is watching you and is following your life. Are you leading them to Christ?
Shepherding Well 