Much has been written on this subject. The how
to's, the theories, the benefits and even some of the trials. All of it having some focus on Jesus and his relationship with his disciples. Let me first say I am adding nothing new to the conversation as much as just recording some recent thoughts from a conference I attended.
I was listening to Jo
Saxton recently at a conference share how she was a part of a growing
missional community and many of the principles that were both discovered and employed in seeing that community grow in a city. Furiously I took notes as these are some of the things my heart is passionate about and for which it beats. Discipleship, city, and transformation. Of course many more words could be added to those but I will start there.
So as to not just write copious words here and repeat all the notes I took I wanted to share one phrase. "Is my life worth imitating?" (A challenging question to ask oneself)
The idea was raised that the disciples were to imitate Jesus. They were simply instructed or informed on how to live but were actually in his presence living life with Him and learning from Him on how to live out faith. So in our discipleship we imitate those we follow. The words do as I say not as I do don't apply. As much as we want to believe that we can say that, it doesn't really work. One of the first principles I learned in ministry is more is caught than taught. So then Jo posed that question..."Is our life worth imitating?" How would you feel if those you lead knew how you handle money, time, and brokenness? WOW! Challenging. The authenticity piece comes out again. Are we in each others lives enough to see this or are we allowing others into our lives to see these things lived out.
I am continuing to ponder these questions and it brings me to my knees. I am so unworthy that the Lord would choose to use me in
someones life and so incredibly desperate for him to transform me into becoming more like his Son. I shudder at what those who have followed me have learned that I didn't intend. Yet I am also stunned at what God has used and allowed me to be a part of. There are some amazing women out there I have had the privilege of journeying with and I am so anxious to see what the Lord continues to do in their lives.
