JULY 18 “INTIMACY IN DISCIPLING OTHERS”

Discipling others has an undertone of intimacy. It is rooted in a relationship that involves intentionally teaching others with a view to reproducing yourself in them and they also doing the same to others. It is a lifelong exercise that is advantageous to both spiritual and numerical growth in the body of Christ. You cannot talk about intimacy without mentioning dependency. A disciple will often depend on his/her teacher for knowledge, understanding and guidance because the very act of discipleship is a journey and not a means to an end.

Jesus’ example of relationship with His disciples when He was here on earth was that of follower-ship, friendship and love. They were hardly apart, except when He sent them out on errands and missions or when He needed to be alone with His Father. You can say that this is not feasible in today’s world, however, this can still be achieved by using modern technologies available to us today, as well as doing our very best to make physical contact possible.

Discipling others goes beyond sitting in a class as a teacher to teach others to be disciples of Christ. It is a lifestyle of teaching others by example to the point of them growing and maturing enough to teach others too. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” He was so sure of himself being an imitator (disciple) of Christ and confident enough to call on others to imitate him. You also can make this call as you follow the footsteps of Christ as His disciple so others can imitate you as they admire your lifestyle as being Christ-like. This is the very art of discipling others and it can be successfully achieved when it is done in a godly intimate relationship.

PRAYER: Jesus, You commissioned me to make disciples of others. Help me first to be Your true disciple and give me all it takes to obey Your command. Thank You Lord, Amen.