Years ago, a friend asked who I was discipling. I was busy at home with little ones and with the tasks that come with full-time ministry. Still, I got the feeling my efforts discipling myself and children didn’t count. So, although those were—and still are—my two primary focuses of discipleship, I answered how I believed it was expected. I provided the name of a young woman with whom I occasionally met. I earned a nod of approval.
I had assumed discipling myself and my children were not valid answers. My narrow definition of discipleship meant only certain conversations and relationships fit. But if I could have that conversation over, I’d affirm that discipleship for the pastor’s wife (and for any child of God) is a cycle that begins inside, extends to those entrusted to you by God, and then ripples outward to influence others.
My narrow definition of discipleship meant only certain conversations and relationships fit.
It’s in this pattern of moving from inside out we become fishers of men (Mark 1:17).
TRAIN YOURSELF
1 Timothy 4:7-8 “. . . Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way . . .”
Have you heard the saying, “You can’t give away what you don’t have”? It applies to discipleship. We cannot pass on a faith we do not possess. Discipleship begins with our relationship with God. It requires spiritual growth and an increasing ability to understand God’s Word.
Discipleship begins with our relationship with God. It requires spiritual growth and an increasing ability to understand God’s Word.
It involves study, reflection, and a pursuit of God. This invites the Spirit to disciple us. And it counts.
When the love and knowledge of Christ fills you, the overflow will impact the people around you. It is not selfish to spend time with God to welcome the Spirit of God to transform your heart. Keeping in step with the Spirit is one way you lead others well.
TRAIN YOUR FAMILY
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 “You should love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
When we love the Lord with everything in us, when the words of God are on our hearts, that love and those words will naturally will be on our tongues. We will speak of God often.
As a woman of God, your influence extends beyond your personal journey. You are responsible to God for how you raise your children.
As a woman of God, your influence extends beyond your personal journey. You are responsible to God for how you raise your children.
If children are to “never forget their mother’s instructions” (Proverbs 1:9), it’s worthwhile to consider what are we teaching our children?
Children emulate what they see. Do your children see you spend time in contemplation and prayer? Are you growing the fruit of the Spirit, continually increasing in patience, compassion, and forgiveness? As you embody these virtues, you become a living example. You disciple your children.
Creating an environment that encourages questions, having meaningful conversations, and modelling the significance of kindness and service to others are part of training your child in the ways of the Lord. It’s discipleship, and it counts.
TRAIN OTHERS
Colossians 3:16 “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 heart to God . . .”
Limited hours and energy mean that personal and family discipleship come before other relationships. But just as a pebble creates ripples in a pond, our influence should also extend beyond our immediate circle.
Training others can happen in the normal, ordinary moments of life.
That influence might move us outside the home to come alongside a friend. It might involve checking in on a Sunday morning and offering a consistent word of encouragement. It always involves freely sharing life experiences, insights, and challenges. Training others can happen in the normal, ordinary moments of life.
Yes, we are called to make disciples. So, disciple yourself, your loved ones, and others. It all counts.