In the hustle and bustle of our modern world, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of “Christian” activities that often seem to amount to little more than noise and fury, signifying nothing. Many churches and ministries engage in numerous endeavours, but the critical question we must ask is:
Are we truly making disciples? This is our primary task in this age.
Jesus left us with a clear command in Matthew 28:18–19: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.”
It’s not merely about evangelism but about the lifelong process of discipleship.
So, we must pause and reflect on two fundamental questions:
Does Your Ministry Make Disciples?
It’s easy to fill our days with activity, but if those activities don’t contribute to the making of disciples, they need realignment. Discipleship encompasses more than evangelism; it’s about guiding people to become like God.
Do You Understand Biblical Discipleship?
Often, we reduce discipleship to the transmission of information or the enforcement of specific behaviors. However, discipleship is a profound process that molds a community of people into the image of God.
The church’s primary mission is discipleship, and we must have a clear understanding of what it entails and how to go about it.
Without this clarity, we risk building without a blueprint, much like a young boy who hammers away without knowing what he’s meant to build.
To embark on a successful journey of discipleship, we need to grasp the foundational principles that underpin all discipleship methods. Without this understanding, we risk using our tools without a clear sense of purpose. We must align our efforts with the biblical blueprints we’ve been provided.
While there is a plethora of valuable resources on discipleship tools, this devotional aims to address the often-neglected foundation. This foundation will provide us with a framework for discipleship, setting the context for how we use these tools effectively.
It Begins with Beholding
The cornerstone of effective discipleship is the knowledge of God and the revelation of His beauty in the person of Jesus. If we start discipleship anywhere else, we risk drifting away from the biblical framework.
God’s purpose for this age revolves around two main themes: the revelation of Himself in the person of Jesus and the formation of a people who will become His companions. Both of these themes require us to behold the beauty of God.
If we fail to center our lives on the revelation of God, we lose sight of His primary purpose for this age. Moreover, without beholding God, we remain ignorant of the image we are intended to reflect. We are not merely called to be moral people; we are called to become people who increasingly resemble God in character and nature.
To avoid any misconceptions or heresy, let’s establish two firm convictions from the outset: We will never become divine, and we will never be objects of worship. However, the New Testament is clear: God desires humans to become more like Him. Jesus is the firstborn among many brothers and sisters who are destined to be like Him.
How can we become like God when we barely know Him?
As we will come to understand, humans are designed to become what they behold. The ministry gifts given to the church have a profound purpose: to enable us to behold God and, in turn, become more like Him. From pastors to worship leaders, teachers to parents, and ministers, each plays a crucial role in this process:
Pastors: Give us God. Help us behold Him. Let us see Him.
Worship Leaders: Give us God. Lead us to behold Him. Enable us to see Him.
Teachers: Give us God. Help us behold Him. Guide us to see Him.
Parents: Give us God. Lead us to behold Him. Show us how to see Him.
Ministers: Give us God. Help us behold Him. Assist us in seeing Him.
If we, as leaders and believers, are not facilitating encounters with God, our discipleship is off track. It strays from the biblical foundation. Now, let’s explore how we can stay on course and why beholding God is the first step in this beautiful journey of discipleship.
Biblical Ways to Behold God
Beholding God begins with His Word. Dive into the Scriptures and meditate on His character, His promises, and His love. Seek God in prayer, and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Spend time in worship, allowing the beauty of His presence to captivate your heart. Engage in community, for it is in fellowship with fellow believers that we often catch glimpses of God’s character.
Remember, discipleship is not merely about information or behavioral change. It’s about becoming more like God. Start with beholding Him, and you’ll find that the transformation will naturally follow.
In this age of distraction and busyness, let us refocus on our primary task of making disciples. Let us make it our mission to lead people to behold the beauty of God and to become more like Him.
This is the heart of discipleship, and it begins with beholding the One who is our ultimate example and source of transformation, Jesus Christ.
A.F.O.S.O.M., an anonymous contributor, involve with MFAM, helping Unreached People Group (Southeast Asia) Believers be connected with other authentic believers and helping to strengthen their faith. A.F.O.S.O.M transitioned from Islam to Christianity when he was 16, he attends a Singapore charismatic church, and writes for ‘Beholding Messiah‘ blog.
This article is my personal notes that I read from the book “Discipleship begins with Beholding” by Samuel Whitefield.
