I’m in the middle of reading two books, Multiply (Frances Chan) and Radical (David Platt). These two books focus on how Jesus called Christians to make disciples among the people.
As I study through these books, I’m somewhat convicted that there are more things I could, and should, be doing. But mostly, if I’m being honest, I feel pretty good about the work I’m doing.
I spend time helping others. I set a good example. I’m vocal about my beliefs. My faith is strong. My prayer life is strong. I’m studying a good deal. Really, I’m in a good place
As I began to think about ways I could disciple others, it started to hit me. These are things that people do for me. People are discipling me? Do I need to be discipled?
Yes, in fact, I do.
It’s extremely humbling to realize that you still need to be discipled. But the truth is that all of us still need someone to show us how to become even more like Christ. We will never reach the point when we are so Christlike that we no longer need to learn more about Him and His ways.
My problem with this is my pride. I don’t want to be discipled. I don’t like the idea of people doing things for me out of a sense of obligation. I don’t like the idea that someone would look at me and see a sin or a flaw that needs work. I don’t like the idea of being someone’s project.
Those are the things that I tell myself, but they are lies. The real truth is that I need those who are wiser in their faith than I am to guide me. I need people to help me from time to time. I need someone to point out my sin when I can’t see it for myself.
It’s tough to admit that we are flawed, and that we need each other. It’s tough to know that friends sometimes do things because they know it’s the right thing to do but not necessarily because they want to. It’s tough to let others take care of us. It’s tough being discipled.
So now, as I read these books my focus won’t only be on how I can apply them toward making disciples of others, but also how I can be more open to allowing others to make a stronger disciple out of me.
After all, it isn’t about me anyway. It’s all about God and bringing him glory!