Pat asked us a question at our amazing charcuterie party in November (if you haven’t checked out yesterday’s post, make sure you do!) that has continued to challenge me every day since. She asked us how we show love to our husbands. She didn’t preach to us or force her opinion on us, she simply asked a question that challenged us. How similar to Jesus this is! These women all naturally disciple every time we’re together because their beautiful hearts are so aligned with their Savior.
Who are you discipling? The truth is, you are disicpling all the time – everyone you spend time with and everyone that sees you – through your words, your responses, your actions (or your inactions). Are you challenging them? Are you pointing them to Jesus?
There are different levels of discipleship, but all day, every day, you have the opportunity (and the responsibility) to be the Gospel in blue jeans to everyone around you. Here is the best definition of the Gospel I have yet encountered by Tim Keller, “We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” Our actions and words carry a powerful message to those around us. The more we stay in step with the Holy Spirit, the more our words and actions change lives and deliver hope and love through His power, even in difficult situations.
Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “let us consider how we may SPUR ONE ANOTHER ON toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” If you think about spurs on boots, they propel the horse forward, into action. Now, more than ever, we need these discipling relationships. We need to challenge each other and ask tough questions. I am so grateful for Pat. Her challenging question prompted me to be more intentional in my marriage. Who will you spur on today?
“Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” Ephesians 5:16-17
– Mel Anderson