“You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.”
2 Timothy 2:2 NLT
As a committed follower of Jesus, we are all called to help others grow in their faith. This may come in the form of a mentor (a disciple-maker) or a support system (discipleship group) for someone who is just starting their journey with Jesus. Becoming a disciple-maker requires a significant investment of time, effort, and resources. But the rewards are immeasurable, both for the person being discipled and for the disciple-maker.
“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15 NLT
One of the first steps in becoming a disciple-maker is to be diligent in your own spiritual journey. This means taking the time to prepare and to think about what you need to do to help others grow in their faith. You must be willing to put in the effort to learn about the teachings of Jesus, to reflect on your own experiences, and to be open about your own walk with the Lord.
“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.”
Colossians 4:5
Once you have taken the time to prepare, you can then focus on managing your time well. This includes working through any teaching material in advance, adjusting to individual needs, and taking advantage of teachable moments. You must be flexible and willing to adapt to the needs of the person you are discipling.
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”
James 5:16 NLT
One of the most important aspects of being a disciple-maker is to lead by example. You must be an authentic disciple of Jesus, showing the person you are discipling what it means to live a life of faith. This means being transparent and open about your own walk with the Lord, and sharing your experiences and insights in a way that is relatable and helpful.
“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.”
1 Peter 3:15 NLT
Finally, it is essential to be mindful of the opportunities that come your way to teach. Whether it is through a conversation, a small group discussion, or a more formal setting, take advantage of every chance you have to share the love of Jesus with others.
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20 NLT
In conclusion, becoming a disciple-maker is a calling that requires a significant investment of time and effort. But the rewards are immeasurable, both for the person being discipled and for the disciple-maker. By being diligent in your own spiritual journey, managing your time well, leading by example, and taking advantage of teachable moments, you can help others grow in their faith and discover the joy of following Jesus.
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