Finishing WellSample

Establish a Discipleship Routine  

We’ve been living in the Love Boat. At least that’s what our house was clearly designed to reflect, down to the porthole lights, the flamboyant industrial carpet, and a galley kitchen. The ceilings drop down and every angle is curved like a ship. It’s no wonder the house remained on the market a year before we snagged it for a great price. 

Seeing past all that aesthetic nonsense, we recently took a large portion down to the studs. Chad and I hired a contractor to take an assessment of the inner workings, moving walls and pipes to create a plan for something that made sense for our family. 

That plan determined the future state of our home. It was printed out, placed in a plastic envelop and hung on a nail for workers to investigate while on the work site. It’s what they relied on for all measurements and the specifications for putting the room back together. 

Maybe you feel your year has resembled my remodel, taking you down to your core elements. It could be you’ve been isolated from your church, family, friends, and any genuine encouragement. Never has it been more crucial to have a plan in place for your own personal discipleship. 

You may find it surprising, but the Bible teaches that we are able to manage this growth aspect of life ourselves, pandemic or no pandemic. In fact, Paul prays for it to blossom in the lives of those entrusted to him in his letter to the Colossians. 

How does this happen? 

You’ve heard it a million times. 

· Read your Bible. 

· Pray. 

· Keep learning about the things of God and the lives of those who have gone before us. 

Nothing new here to hang on the wall. At the same time, new strategies, techniques, and systems are available to adopt. In fact, about two years ago, I took on a new strategy for my prayer life. With the difficulties of 2020, I have had to adjust my plan. Honestly, the situation was a callosal non-existent disaster at first. Maybe that’s where you are. Your personal discipleship plan is in the tank. No problem. 

Start where you are. When you deviate, get back to it. Let your plan keep drawing you back to Jesus. Use it as a tool in your pursuit of finishing well. 

Today, before the day is over begin formulating your own plan.