Among the first things a child learns to ask is “why”. It is a sign their mind is beginning to compute more abstract things. In the midst of this, incessantly asking the same question can be very frustrating to a parent for various reasons. This is particularly true when they continue to ask where the unborn baby in mommy’s tummy comes from. I’ve heard some parents try to satisfy the child by explaining that it comes from the watermelon seed mommy ate!
Through the years I’ve been intrigued with the term discipleship. I’ve learned people (including scholarly ministers) have a very wide range of what the discipleship process looks like in real time. Some have come up with different methods of how it should be done. However, few have really thought through a good answer to the common question a child is known to ask, “why”. What is the objective of discipleship? Is it all about Bible or theological knowledge, heritage, sensational experiences, or a special skill to persuade a person or an audience that God is real, and they need to accept Him as their God? Or, is more about their behavior? Or, could it be while all those things are good, they are only window dressing or the tangible elements of something much more vital?
Paul wrote a letter to Philemon in which he writes For I had great joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been made strong again through you, brother (Philemon 1:7, BBE). Wow! It is common belief that Philemon was a wealthy man who came to develop a deep love for God. One striking element was how he valued serving others in spite of his wealth. And his love for God was not expressed in his knowledge or sensational experience base or even in his speech or actions—not suggesting they were bad! Instead, His mark of being a Christ-follower was in the mysterious, hidden, spiritual effect of who he was and had on others! Since he wasn’t a teacher/preacher, he didn’t increase the knowledge of the saints, yet he made their hearts strong again. Do you have a reputation for leaving that kind effect on people around you? This really challenges me! Let me be clear. Even Jesus was known for making some so upset that they killed Him. What I’m challenged by is what might be called the ‘afterglow’ Jesus left on the hearts of those open to Him. They were so deeply moved they literally sacrificed jobs, family and friends to tell others of the kingdom of God Jesus had taught about.
Philemon illustrates the central objective (the why part) of discipleship. It is all about becoming so much like Jesus the disciple leaves the aroma of His presence wherever they go. If the very fiber of our inner life isn’t being so transformed that the Christ within makes others strong again, we have missed the point of discipleship. Paul explains the tale-tell sign of a spiritually mature disciple is ..measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ (Ephesians 4:13 NLT2). This was illustrated in how the enemies of Christ were so astonished that they had to [recognize] that they [Jesus’ disciples] had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13, ESV)
I don’t know exactly what Paul was referring to in the words he wrote Philemon, but I do know I long to have those words said about me. It is not what we teach or preach nor in what religious accomplishments we achieve; it is all about the life lived. Is that your goal too? Let’s together determine to set our faces, not towards a mission but towards continued life-change into His image.
Amen!!!! Definitely my goal, too!
Amen! I need to model not preach.
So worth walking by faith, trusting, obedience. May it be so Lord! Refining fire, my heart’s one desire, is to be Holy. (Remember singing this chorus many years back?) Has a wonderful message to tell. Thanks for post.