"Jesus thus calls on people to live as he lives, in contradistinction to the agonistic, competitive form of life marked by conventional notions of honor and status typical of the larger Roman world. Behaviors that grow out of service in the kingdom of God take a different turn: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Extend hospitality to those who cannot reciprocate. Give without expectation for return. Such practices are possible only for those whose dispositions, whose convictions and commitments, have been reshaped by transformative encounter with the goodness of God." - Joel B. Green

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The importance of discipleship

In contemplating the importance of discipleship and what it means to truly lead / disciple someone I found Hebrews 3:12-13 to be quite helpful.

Hebrews 3:12 -13 "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day as long as it is called 'today' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."

"Exhort" in this context is used as (Gk. parakaleo), which means "to call to one's side." We are to constantly be in community with each other, helping each other through struggles and encouraging each other as long as it is called "today." The bible then goes on to stress the importance of this discipleship and community by stating that it keeps us from becoming hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

If we truly want to grow and see people around us grow then we must begin to see the importance of daily discipleship. Constantly we find Paul asking the Christian communities to imitate him in his life and example. Every person who follows the Lord should find either someone or several people to connect with and either mentor or be mentored by them in order to aid in sustaining a healthy walk with the Lord.

Peace.
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