My good friend, Phil, recently asked how I "re-imagine" discipling in today's world. My reply to him, as you'll see here, does not point to trendy technology or novel approaches. It points instead to timeless truth and ancient paths -- for ourselves and our grandchildren.
I re-imagine that we'd "zero-base" our goals and strategies for cultivating Christlikeness in ourselves and others. Starting at zero, we'd re-examine the Scriptures for key goals and strategies. Ten steps would emerge, which we'd take ourselves. Then we'd recommend them to other God-followers whom we influence:
- Trust Jesus Christ--and Christ alone--for His redemption of
your "wages of sin" (Romans 3:23).
- Bask in the Bible and in the presence of God.
- Ponder the interrelationships among, and implications of, these scriptures: Matthew 5:14-16; I Corinthians 13; and Ephesians 4 & 5.
- Ask the RIGHT questions – the core, “Why?” questions -- about these scriptures.
- In prayer and unrushed reflection, with God’s Spirit filling your heart and mind, embrace God’s answers to those questions.
- Decide what you will say “no” to in your current swirl of goals and activities, so that you can say “yes” to focusing on and cultivating #5.
- Go out and do it. Walk as a child of light (Ephesians 5:8-10).
- As you walk, look for others whom you may influence in this same way.
- Be available to them; develop a healthy, Christlike relationship.
- Speak mostly with your life, not your words. As appropriate, share your journey with them in ways that encourage them to walk as “children of light” who influence others in their world likewise.
Questions for journaling or discussion:
- Which particular steps (above) reflect Deuteronomy 6:4-7?
- What scriptures come to mind in support of step #2?
- What key goals and strategies do these steps suggest to you as you convey your spiritual legacy to your grandchildren?
(c) 2019 John Garmo
