25 Jan Making Disciples by Jim Graff
Making Disciples
Pastor Jim Graff
Have you noticed how eager people are to reach new places of success in their lives? Most of us are constantly and carefully planning the next step vital to our desired destination.
I clearly remember one morning when my son confidently explained to me that he was ready to take the training wheels off his bike. He was only five years old at the time, but his little face exuded such excitement and determination that I just couldn’t say no. I removed the wheels, gave some brief instruction and watched him go. He rode smoothly for a few seconds, but it wasn’t long before he began to wobble and eventually crashed into the light pole in our front yard. Needless to say, that little face quickly went from determined to distressed as my son realized this task was not going to be as easy as he assumed. It was going to take much more instruction, patience, and persistence.
Seeing new believers make a commitment to Christ often reminds me of watching my little boy take that first bike ride. I hear the sincerity in their voices and see the earnestness in their faces, but I know they will soon discover that there is no easy road to success. Maturity is a process, and it is one that requires both devotion and participation.
Thankfully, Ephesians 6 gives three principles helpful to me not only as a devoted parent raising kids, but also as a devoted pastor maturing healthy, successful disciples.
Obedience
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1
Christianity has been wrongly defined by many in our society today and is often viewed as something that merely robs people of pleasure. As parents, God wants us to instill in our children’s hearts that doing right is what He rewards. In the same way, it is our job as pastors to present clear guidelines to our “spiritual family” that will motivate them to live a life God protects and rewards. Providing a steady diet of relevant truth and loving instruction is necessary for the growth of the believer just as speaking truth to our children is vital to their maturity.
Honor:
“Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise—that it may go well with you, and you may enjoy a long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:2-3
Maturity in Christ not only takes obedience to His principles, but also requires an attitude of honor for the authorities in our lives. The word “honor” here means “to prize greatly and value,” and it comes as we learn to set examples worthy of following. As parents we find that our kids ultimately will do as we do and not as we say, so we must pay close attention to the lifestyle we model for them. As pastors, example is one of the most important aspects of gaining influence in the hearts of young believers too. Just as Moses proved to Israel that God’s blessing followed a lifestyle of honoring Him, so we must prove to this generation that God makes fruitful those who are faithful to Him!
Trust:
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children. Instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
Finally, God gives parents the responsibility to train their children to trust. We gain trust in someone as we learn we can place our full confidence in them. That’s why God tells us to train– not just to teach. A trainer models right principles, then instructs, watching performance and helping to make adjustments when needed. Successful training requires the student to trust the trainer has their best interest in mind and the knowledge they need. As spiritual leaders, we also are called to train and develop those placed under our leadership. We are to encourage them to be fully confident that their Father knows what is best for them and has the knowledge they need to succeed.
Making disciples is not an easy task, but it is one on which God places great importance. Let’s help people build better hearts so that they can experience God’s best in their lives!