A few days ago I wrote a blog listing 12 reasons why making
disciples is difficult. I did this in
part to explain why it is rare and in part to show what excellence in
disciple-making looks like.
People generally have one of two responses when standards of
excellence are communicated: condemnation or
determination. Those who tend to look at
the glass as half-empty may conclude, “Well that’s just impossible – I’ll never
get there. And knowing that makes me feel bad.” And, there are others who
may say, “I know I’m not there, but I’m going to shoot for that.”
The good news is, disciple-making may be hard, but it is so
worth it. Here are some reasons why:
Helping people grow
is a thrill. One reason it’s
rewarding to be a mom is you get to see your little ones grow up. They progress from one stage to another. Same with disciples.
Obeying God results
in blessing. Isaiah 58 is God’s promise
to us: “Reach out to others and meet
their needs in my name and I’ll bless you.”
Disciples produce
fruit. 2 Timothy 2:2 – We teach
those who can teach others. It is
rewarding to have grandchildren.
We were made for
relationship. Hebrews 10:24-25 –
Being in relationship with others gives us opportunity for mutual
encouragement.
We become part of the
answer. Jesus said we should pray
that his kingdom comes. In growing up
others, we build the kingdom.
We take our eyes off
ourselves. If you’ve ever been
around a depressed person, you’ve seen they are the most self-centered
people. Disciple-making is
others-centered.
We lay up treasures
in heaven. 1 Timothy 6:18
It grows our
relationship with God. 1 Cor. 3:6-9
– We get to partner with God.
We were made to be
ministers of reconciliation. 2 Cor.
5:18-20 – that’s our role.
Can you think of any other reasons? I’d like to come up with another three in
order to have 12 total.
Other reasons:
We provide a Kingdom model to a church age that’s replaced discipleship with non-Biblical programs
We experience the love of Christ – real and deep – tested and tried.
The Word of God comes alive – like bearing with one another, forgiving one another from the heart, etc. that we couldn’t have with shallow and superficial relationships.