Many early mornings came and went during my childhood with one thing remaining the same: my mom would be reading her Bible by the soft glow of a lamp.
This memory would be something that I would carry with me throughout my life. It was a pattern my mom had established and still maintains to this day. It was a rhythm that–I know–has carried her through many a challenge.
A simple early morning routine…an everyday mundane commitment…a discipline determined to develop a disposition…a young life given a vision for how to develop his own dispositions.
Discipleship is forged through a developed disposition.
As we continue our examination of discipleship, it’s important to consider three key elements that a disciple-maker must embrace as he/she seeks to disciple others:
- Light
- “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
- A disciple-maker must have an everyday commitment to God’s Word. In other words, there must be a non-negotiable everyday priority given to God’s Word.
- One cannot give what he does not possess.
- Mirrors
- “What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? Far from it! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “You shall not covet.” Romans 7:7
- A disciple-maker must abide by the standard of God’s Word. While he will never achieve perfection, his aim is to live in accordance with God’s way. And when he fails, he confesses quickly, restores fellowship, and walks by faith to avoid the sin and temptation previously committed.
- One cannot speak truth into others if he is not speaking truth into himself.
- Love
- “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from a sincere faith.” 1 Timothy 1:5
- A disciple-maker must embrace the mysterious and unfathomable love of God.
- One cannot love others as they ought to be loved if one does not first embrace the love God has bestowed upon him.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17
The question for us today:
What patterns are we weaving into our everyday routines to develop the dispositions we need to disciple others?
— June 10, 2021