Take it to Work:
The scriptures today have a very common theme, that we are “entrusted” to be faithful in passing on what we ourselves have received.
Sometimes, even as devoted Christians, we become self-focused. We tend to be content with being saved, baptized, and growing personally in our faith, becoming the mature believer we are called to be, but did you realize this is only part of our calling? It is really, only the first part of our calling.
Jesus said, as part of His Great Commision to us as followers, to create and bring along other followers.
We are disciples called to make and teach other disciples . . . and outside of our family, which is the the most natural place of discipleship, with kids and grandkids. Those with whom we work are the other most likely recipients. Why? Because they’re people we spend the most time with, and if we’re aware and intentional, they are the most likely to be influenced by who we are and how we live.
God often uses our workplace as the beginning of lifelong friendships. And within many of these friendships, eventually our own beliefs and faith is shared, and deeper conversations follow.
Pray that you would be aware of the opportunities in your workplace to build relationships and disciple those with whom you have even a modest relationship. You might be surprised how many would show up for a lunch time Bible study, or a morning devotional.
In our culture, there are so many who need encouragement, the truth of God’s Word, and someone in which to share the journey. They are hungry to go deeper, to learn and grow, in all the areas where others have already blessed you, and walked with you.
I know that none of us feel truly qualified to be a discipler, but there are many who would benefit from all we have been taught, and all the encouragement we have already received.
We have been blessed, not only for ourselves and our families, but to be a blessing to others. And you’re not working with them by mistake, as His Word works through you, today.
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.
Rom 15:2 (ESV) – Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
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.
Listening to the Holy Spirit (Rhema):
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.
