discipleship

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And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” {Matthew 28:18-20}

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” {John 13:34-45}

"A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher." {Luke 6:40}

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." {Proverbs27:17}

Discipleship and being in fellowship is something I'm so grateful for.  I have a really hard time with shallow relationships, if I know you, I want to really know you... Ya know what I mean??? Looking back on my relationships, the strongest ones have been those rooted in Christ, those that were focused on discipleship.  Those of you that have been reading my blog for a while know that I am extremely passionate about relationships, especially relationships with other women. Working in ministry, and walking along side other women, is something that brings me so much joy. How can you not find joy in living life with others and growing deeper in community???

Recently I heard a really great sermon at Salem Alliance Church that talked about discipleship, and the three main discipleship relationships. Looking back, the times where any of these relationships have been missing are the times where I haven't been challenged, haven't been encouraged, and haven't been growing. It's easy to not get involved, and sit back and watch others, but I strongly encourage you not to sit back! We can't grow when we aren't investing in others and putting ourselves out there {Matthew 5:14-16; John 13:34-35; Titus 2:1-8}. It's not easy being vulnerable. As women we're scared of rejection, judgement, and betrayal. But when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and honest, we're letting God work in our relationships.

1) Let someone disciple you/mentor you. Be in a relationship where someone older is pouring into you, challenging you, and giving you wisdom. It should be focused on growing you, encouraging you, and challenging you. I love having someone older and wiser to go out to coffee with, word vomit all of my feelings and questions onto, and be challenged/encouraged/motivated/inspired to grow in my faith. Right now, my mentor is in her sixties, and she is one of the wisest, sassiest, God-fearing women I've ever met. She challenges me to live a life for Christ, day in and day out. She reminds me every time we meet that God has great plans for my life, and that I don't need to be the one in charge, HE's in charge. She also always buys me coffee... she never lets me pay... and can I just say that that is one of the sweetest gifts? I appreciate her care and wisdom in my life so much! Everyone needs a mentor.  If you don't have one, ask someone! Who do you look up to?

2) Have others walk along side you/Be in fellowship. For me, that means being invested in a small group, having a few friends that I can go to for the good, the bad, and the ugly things that life throws my way. We all need friends who are walking along side of us, sharing life together.  I have a few friends that I try to meet with every week. We hold each other accountable, we ask each other the hard questions, and we're vulnerable with one another. It's so important to have friends who are along side of you in your walk with Christ.  Look at Jesus and his disciples {Mark 3:13-15}. They lived life together. They loved each other, they were honest with one another, and they were quick to forgive when another would stumble. That's true fellowship.

3) Disciple someone/pour into someone/mentor someone. Why are we so afraid to do this? If you've committed your life to Christ, you are called to disciple someone younger in their faith. Don't be scared of that! By pouring into someone else, you are not only blessing that person, but you are strengthening your own faith. I have a few girls that I disciple, and there's honestly nothing that brings me more joy than walking along side of them, encouraging them to grow in their walk with Christ! It challenges me to study more, pray more, and lean on the Lord and not my own abilities. It humbles me, and makes me realize that God is the one at work, not me. There is nothing that I could say to these girls that is wise or worth knowing... Trust me. The Lord is the one who does the speaking and gives the wisdom... Not me. Your main purpose is to bless the person you're discipling: Listen to them, encourage them, and challenge them.

We are Christ's disciples, and He's called us to make disciples of men {Matthew 28:19}. And I'm so glad He's blessed us with the gift of fellowship along the way.

If you're still reading, I love you.

Thoughts?