The Whole ChurchExemplo

GROWING AS DISCIPLES

Many modern Western believers think of their faith as a solo adventure … and popular Christian culture largely caters to this mindset. Think of all the ways we can consume our faith (such as sermons and worship) without ever having to interact with someone else. 

But doesn’t that sound rather impersonal?

It doesn’t have to be. The good news is that God designed our personal relationship with Him to inherently involve other people. Yes, He holds us individually accountable, but even so, our spiritual maturity is a process of interwoven relationships. And that’s what discipleship is all about. It’s so much more than church programming or classes and certifications. It’s so much more than just the exchange of information. 

Discipleship is sisters and brothers in Christ building each other up, encouraging one another in their pursuit of God so that we might, together, in all things grow up into Christ Himself (Eph. 4:15). In short, it’s deeply personal. And we can’t afford to live otherwise if we want to become the pure and spotless bride of Christ.

Think about Jesus and His disciples—sure, there were formal teaching moments like the Sermon on the Mount, but the Rabbi also ate and traveled with the Twelve, and in the flow of regular life, He taught them not just what to think but how to think. Likewise, the most fertile ground for transformation isn’t scheduled meetings where we present a curated version of ourselves, but rather daily life in community. 

The good news is there are simple practices we can cultivate to make discipleship more attainable. In addition to the time we spend in our church communities, things like regular prayer and Bible study are ways we can make space for the Holy Spirit to work in us. We’re not responsible for the transformation—just for remaining open and doing the work preparing our hearts.

Making disciples is no small feat. But we can’t let the size of the task overwhelm our ability to hear and receive the gift of Jesus’ parting words in Matthew 28:20: “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Remember: His presence with us is both the means—for what can we do apart from Him?—and the end—because what’s the point of all discipleship efforts if not to become wholly united with Christ? Discipleship is a lifelong journey toward Christlikeness, and it’s not one we can undertake on our own. Certainly, go with God—but also, go together.

Digging Deeper

• Think about how you can open your life to other trustworthy believers. Are there any aspects of your life you keep hidden? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you integrate those aspects into your relationships. 
• We don’t have to cajole God into spending time with us. In fact, He’s always present, even when we choose not to be present with Him. But being intentional can help us engage more fully. Think of ways you can consciously “host” God through daily spiritual practices.
• Moving forward in your life, how can you lean on your community for strength to continue engaging with God, even when it’s difficult? How can you encourage others to lean on you and help them engage with God in their own lives?

Prayer

Father, thank You that Your vision of personal growth is a group effort. I cherish that You’ve designed us to sharpen one another as we all pursue You together. Lord, for all the ways I may have sought to isolate myself and “go it alone,” I repent and humbly ask You to show me the better way, the communal way. I pray, too, that You’ll show me where I can come alongside fellow believers as a comfort and a strength to them. Amen.