DISCIPLE MAKING LEADERSHIP - WHAT DO I DO? - PART 5
Thus far in the "what do I do series," we've covered quite a bit of ground. We've talked about purpose, process, outcomes, and plan.
Thus far in the "what do I do series," we've covered quite a bit of ground. We've talked about purpose, process, outcomes, and plan. What I need to do here is set reality for you; so this will focus on the CHALLENGE of disciple-making leadership.
Let's turn back to Paul's letter to Titus because we need to understand the expectations for those that take up disciple-making leadership. Now, do not let the high standard discourage you. Nobody is perfect. We will all make mistakes. Yet, how we live is the source of our credibility with others.
Take a look at Titus 2:7:
SHOW YOURSELF IN ALL RESPECTS TO BE A MODEL OF GOOD WORKS, AND IN YOUR TEACHING SHOW INTEGRITY, DIGNITY. (TITUS 2:7 ESV)
Paul is describing the pattern of life that the DmL process should strive toward, specifically for the young men. If their life matches these aspects, then they are ready to take up the process of discipleship for someone else. This, right here, is a challenge.
"In all respects" - every area of our life is to be affected. This includes how we actually live BUT also what we think. If you think of the Pharisees, their inward and outward selves did not even come close to matching. We need to make sure that what we believe translates into how we behave.
"model" - the Greek term references the mark of a blow or the use of a die. Think of a sculptor who uses tools to chip away what should not be there. How this applies to you and me is simple. Imagine that you are sitting on a stool in a room full of artists and they are recreating your image. That's a scary thought for me because I worry about the flaws they would find. For DmL, your life needs to be one where others would willingly want to copy you. OUCH!
"teaching" - this implies active work and not a passive presence. Sometimes, we remain silent by thinking that our lives will teach us enough material. While I cannot disagree that how we live tells a story, we also need to actively share what it all means. If we do not, then we risk the wrong message being received. For example, someone could conclude that I am "religious" and then conjure up images of a "religious" person that mistreated them. That is not good enough! In conversations, I have an opportunity to teach the truth about Jesus and not the poor example of another person (that may or may not have been a true believer).
"integrity and dignity" - if the things above have not frightened you yet, well, this will. Integrity speaks of ongoing perfection without corruption. Dignity means something of real weight and substance. So, your teaching is to be a truth that does not change and it is of real value in a world that thinks it knows what is to be valued. Your life cannot fit either of these terms BUT the life of Jesus does! That is to be our source of instruction - not self-help books, neat quotes, or just talking about hobbies. For DmL to be effective, we have to get into the things that matter most for eternity.
All of this may be hitting you hard because of the mistakes you have made in the past. We've all been there BUT let this quote below serve as foundational for you in disciple-making leadership. If you intentionally live this idea under the guidance of God's Word, then you will be creating the right pattern in your life...