In our last blog we talked about the importance of
investing into others for the purpose of life transformation.
Concepts such as “discipleship” and “mentoring” have
been buzzing around for awhile. Programs are developed; resources are produced;
ministries are created – all in an effort to somehow reproduce favorable
results.
Yet reality proves that people are different. No
matter what “formula” we use to make discipleship “neat and effective” – we
find that what works for one person doesn’t necessarily bring the same resultsin another.
If we turn to programs or formulas, rather than seek
God’s personalized wisdom, we can miss tremendous opportunities to impact lives
on profound levels.
The questions before us remain:
·
“Can I be a vessel God uses to love
someone into their next stage of growth?”
·
“What does this person truly need to see
about God; about themselves; about life in general in order to thrive in his/her
current situation?”
·
“How can I ‘encourage them daily’ toward
the goal of reaching their destiny in Christ?”
It takes deep intention to get to know them; to seek
God on their behalf; to speak both words of comfort and words of challenge when
appropriate. It takes endurance. It takes vision. It takes personalization.
It requires that the heart of God for that person be
formed in us. In Galatians 4:19 Paul compares his passion for their growth to
labor pains. It is no easy task, but the fruit is well worth the effort.
If the Kingdom of God resides in the hearts of man –
it is only by releasing someone into the fullness of their destiny that we
expand the Kingdom. It is all about fruit born in relationships not “programs”.
So who are you loving into their destiny? Can you
identify those in whom God has called you to invest? If so, what is your vision
for that relationship? How will you intentionally pour the life of Christ in
you into that other person? Are you willing to pay the price? How will thiscause YOU to grow and develop along the way?
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