Practicing Mutual Discipleship
I grew up in a neighborhood that was always busy with friends. Whenever one of us headed outside we were immediately joined by several others itching to play a sport or hang out. One activity that we really enjoyed was skateboarding. Skateboarding, before the internet age, meant that we actually had to make up our own tricks or that we learned new ones from watching others at the skatepark. As soon as one of us figured out a trick, we would show each other how to do it (usually after we won a game or 2 of S.K.A.T.E. if I’m being honest).
Without realizing it we were practicing mutual discipleship.
Paul says, “imitate me as I imitate Christ” (1 Cor 11:1). While skating, we worked hard to imitate each other to master the same tricks. We were teaching each other what we had seen modeled for us. We were passing on what we had learned and entrusting it to our friends. We were saying in essence, “imitate me as I imitate Tony Hawk.”
Discipleship is helping someone to know and follow Jesus. “Helping” is imitating what we have seen and heard from those who have gone before us. And much of discipleship is imitation. This is one of the primary goals of the church, and it is one of the primary goals of your life as well. Who in your life could say they are “imitating you as you imitate Christ”? Who in your life could say that you are discipling them? We are called to “make more and better disciples of Jesus.” Do your actions reflect that mission?
These questions and others confront us and our day-to-day habits. They help to clarify our priorities and sensibilities in life. But a better question might be to ask ourselves, “am I abiding in Christ?” Whether we know the names of “our disciples” or have a plan for each person that we hope to minister to, one thing is for certain, people are watching us. They are watching us as we work, as we play, as we love our spouses, as we attend church, as we serve, etc. Do these people see a disciple that truly and assiduously abides in Christ?
Anyone who has children knows that they love to imitate. Kids love to copy each other or their parents to the point of annoyance without even realizing why they are doing it. They are “copycats.” What/who do your kids imitate? Do they scream at the TV when their football team loses? Do they try to beat other kids because “that is what winners do”? Do they throw fits when they don’t get their way? Do they disrespect authority? Oftentimes we get angry at our kids because they imitate us…and it is a reflection of our sinful hearts.
Fortunately, we have a God who loves us and our families. And even when we are bad disciplers, He bridges the gap and people grow in Christ. Through our weaknesses in discipleship, He is the Strong Disciple. The perfect disciple-maker who we point to in our failings and say, “imitate me as I humbly, inadequately, and woefully try to imitate Him.” Let us seek first the kingdom of God and make more and better disciples of Jesus.
Pastor Caleb