Stop Making Disciples!

What if the problem is that we have been making too many disciples?

Please. Hear me out.

Jesus' disciples walked together with the Lord in every day life. They prepared meals and ate together, served pressing needs, asked questions, were corrected, rejoiced, prayed, got wiped out tired and had to get away to recover. They competed in selfish ambition. They were also transformed into living breathing representatives of Christ.

The goal of becoming a disciple in Jesus' earthly time was for the disciple to become like their master. It got to the point that people could say... Oh! They are a disciple of so and so. They are just like Him.

Why would I open by saying, Stop making disciples? Simple. That's what we have been doing. People look like us.......

I fear that our version of Christianity has often lifted up self above the cross of Christ. Before pointing fingers, I too have done it. We all have done it at some point. If you say, no! Not me! Then I fear most for you.

It is time to take an honest look at how we live, how we represent Christ. Are we kind? Truthful? Helper of the helpless? Patient? Unwavering in merciful love? Or are we mean? Telling lies without being bothered? Walking past those who hurt without noticing? Rudely demanding? And tossed back and forth like waves of the sea?

Chances are good that our version of making disciples has multiplied disciples who look more like our broken humanity rather than the Lord who lives and beautifies our brokenness - if we allow it.

I am in no way advocating a path to making clones of us. I am saying, the more we walk with Christ, the more His influence will impact those around.

Jesus said, By this shall all people know you are My disciples... that you have love one for another!

The hallmark of true discipleship ought always bear the mark of a call to love God And to love others.

Maybe we do need to make more disciples. Perhaps it is best that we first become one ourself.