Our ultimate call and purpose boils down to the making of disciples. Everything we “do” and all of what we “become,” when broken down to its lowest common denominator, should be about the making of disciples. Regardless of your career, cultural background or education, the fruit of your life has to be about the “who” and not the “what.” It’s should always be about people … and us making them disciples of Christ. For that’s our ultimate purpose and call in life. The difficulty in doing this is not the communication of the message but the mode in which we impart the message.
Throughout time words lose their meaning and their implication is somewhat watered-down. The word “disciple” is one of them. It alone, when unraveled correctly, carries an abrasive connotation that clashes with the spirit of this age. A disciple is one who should follow and believe in the teaching and direction of its leader. Although at times one may disagree, the disagreement must be with honor. For to dishonor is to remove oneself from God’s divine order of authority and accountability.
We should always keep in mind that a disciple should be a pupil, an adherent, a devotee and supporter in the vision and direction of its leader. And a true disciple (of Christ) is one who should always demonstrate honor and does not allow familiarity to interfere with the value that is seen in his or her leader. For this is something that must always be kept in check…if not, the end result will end in a falling away. Tragic. Proverbs 16:18
As much as it’s our purpose to make disciples of Christ. It’s impossible to do so unless they become disciples of us. We must point to Christ those we are serving, leading and training, but the litmus test in knowing whether they are true disciples of Christ is in the approach of how they are disciples of us. Discipleship is attitude. Discipleship is discipline. Discipleship is honor. Discipleship is respect. And again, how a disciple follows a leader is how he or she follows Christ.
So, as leaders, we must not be afraid to offend, rebuke, correct, reproof, reprimand, confront, affront and hold accountable – all with love – those we are pointing to Christ. We cannot water-down the meaning of discipleship anymore.
