Listening to the Holy Spirit:
It is in all weather a disciple is called, following for growth unavailable from himself, that once grown, to teach others a way they would not know. How then do you grow without? For the sapling needs protection from wind and great heat. Alone it is scorched, battered by debris, but he who grows in the shadow of another receives all that is needed in protection. You have been called to My Name, your place among many, that you too would teach many. Your growth and nourishment is that you would nourish others. Discipled to disciple. Great you have been given, a gift not to be withheld. In all times and in the coming darkness your hand is called to reach. What you have been given, shall it protect? Teach? Nourish? The staff of Moses was not for his own balance. The ark of Noah, not for his children, but greater. Always for greater do I give to the lesser. Disciple as I have discipled you. You are not that you alone would be. Go, that many more would know. My faithful teach what they themselves have been taught.
2 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV) – You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV) – Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Colossians 3:16 (ESV) – Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Take it to Work:
Scripture reminds us that we are “entrusted” to be faithful in passing on what we ourselves have received. Sometimes, even as devoted Christians, we get self focused. We tend to be content with growing personally in faith, and becoming the mature believer we are called to be, but that is only part of our call. Only the first part of our call.
We are disciples called to make and teach other disciples, and outside of our family, those with whom we work are the most likely recipients. God often uses our workplace as the beginning of lifelong friendships. Within many of these friendships, our own faith is shared, and deeper conversations follow.
Pray that you would be aware of the opportunities in your workplace to disciple those with whom you have even a modest relationship. You might be surprised how many would show up for a lunch time study, or a morning devotional. In our culture, there are many who need encouragement and sound doctrine. They are hungry to go deeper, to learn and grow, in all the areas where others have already blessed you.
You may not feel truly qualified, but there are many that would benefit from all you have already been taught, and all the encouragement you have already recieved. You have been blessed to be a blessing. Where will you start, as His Word works through you?
