Discipleship. It’s one of those words that either conjures up really positive feelings or really negative ones. It can make us excited or nervous or even full of dread. I love the idea of discipleship. Even better, I love God’s heart for it. Outside of community, discipleship is my other jam!
I grew up very isolated and lonely. I had a few friends, but mostly lived my home life within the four walls of my bedroom. I wasn’t a believer, but God graciously placed a couple of amazing female teachers in my life during my junior high and high school years. They spent time with me, listened to me, and gave me sound advice. The bit of God they had experienced, they freely offered. I was beyond grateful to know that they cared for me and wanted what was best for me. They spoke truth and brought correction when I needed it.
I took those times and ran with it. When I gave my life to Christ in college, I immediately became a youth leader. I have now been in youth leadership for almost 20 years. It has not been an easy ministry, but so very fulfilling watching young girls realize who God is to them and who they are in Him.
Not everyone is called to such an obvious form of discipleship. But, we don’t have to be.
I haven’t limited myself to this age group. As I become older, God has opened doors in relationship with some college-aged girls. I love this age! So many of life’s crucial decisions occur in our 20’s. There is a great need for guidance during these years. In every stage thus far in my life, I have had the joy of having some of the godliest women pour their very lives into me.
Even when it comes to my peers, God brings dear women who are young in their faith or who need spiritual direction. I know in the very core of my being that we were designed to walk through life with others. Intentional discipleship is just that…intentional. It takes prayer, effort, and perseverance. Despite all the awkwardness and messiness that can accompany it, there is such a beautiful treasure awaiting us on the other side.
When I read about the life of Christ, He modeled perfectly what discipleship looks like. It is quite simple. It is life on life. Far too often we complicate it. We make it something He never intended it to be. We set unrealistic expectations and become discouraged when they aren’t realized.
Jesus’ last command was for us to make disciples to the utter ends of the earth. How can we ever do that if we get distracted by fear and complication?
Love One Another
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:35)
This is easier said than done. But, God wouldn’t have put this in His Word if it wasn’t possible. Love looks like Jesus. How did He love people? He served. He provided. He spoke truth. He extended grace and mercy. He was kind and patient. He gave endless chances. He brought forgiveness and redemption. He led the way to restoration.
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20)
As ambassadors, this is how we reconcile the world to Christ and make disciples. A life lived like Christ, exudes the sweetest aroma. It softens even the hardest of hearts.
Keep It Simple
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42)
The whole book of Acts and the early church brings me so much joy. This is the epitome of what discipleship and doing life together should be. It doesn’t encompass a master’s degree or a 20-step program. We don’t have to have the answers to every possible theological or moral question. It’s okay to not know and to live in mystery. Personally, I think that the deepest Jesus conversations I have had have been across broken bread and coffee and haven’t always had neat conclusions.
Stir Up One Another
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
I am an encourager by nature. It is crazy easy for me to see the potential in others and call it out. When I do, it feels like the most natural thing in the world. It was what I was created to do. It is what you were created to do as well. It may not be natural for you to encourage others, but it is how we build up the Body. It is how we strengthen each other. It is how we draw out the gold in each other. It is how we disciple.
Disciples are made when encouragement becomes a priority.
How have you experienced discipleship? Have you been discipled? Are you discipling someone?
Leave a Comment
Dearest Miss Karina,
Thank you for sharing the words our Heavenly Father has laid on your heart. Also, thank God for mentors! I am 20 years old and you are spot on when you say that this is the time in our lives that we need the most guidance and help. I will never be able to thank the good Lord enough for the Godly, amazing, artsy, caring, patient, loving Mama he brought into my life not even a year ago… I don’t know where I’d be without her. As for my own calling for now I am called to share God’s love and amazing grace as a “Stationary Missionary” and through my blog! Thank you again so much for your encouraging words.
This side of Heaven,
Summer Rae
Summer Rae, you seem wise beyond your years as you also seem to understand your humble need for godly mentorship. I pray the Lord will continue to grow you up in His ways and guard you against the evils of this world. May He continue to bless you with godly people in your life! Your sister in Christ, Diana
Dearest Diana,
Anything good in me is all God! Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. I pray your day is blessed!
This side of Heaven,
Summer Rae
Hey Summer Rae! I love your name!
I am praising God that He brought a Mama into your life. I pray that you will walk out a completely vulnerable and authentic relationship with her. Let God refine you through her influence and guidance. Learn from her wins and mistakes.
Your calling is beautiful! Let the Holy Spirit lead you in all things. Follow His ways closely. Pattern your life after His.
Thank you for reading and sharing sweet girl!
Miss Karina,
Thank you! Also, thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. I am very blessed to have my mama! Just as the girls/young women you help are very blessed to have you! To be able to do what I love is priceless. I pray your day is blessed!
This side of Heaven,
Summer Rae
Karina,
I love this…discipleship is “life on life”. And, “A life lived in Christ, exudes the sweetest aroma. It softens even the hardest of hearts.” Christ lived a sacrificial life long before He went to the cross. He listened, He held, He encouraged, He gave grace and mercy and forgiveness….He gave life where there was only hopelessness. How did He do this? He gave of His time, His energy, Himself. He put aside His own needs in order to come alongside others and give them the healing (both physical and spiritual) that they needed. He always gave of Himself – discipleship. He lived His life intersecting with the lives of others. Oh, that I would be like Him and put away my selfish needs and wants and live a life that His love could flow freely through me to others. Wonderful post Karina!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Amen Bev! That is most definitely the kind of life I seek to live. I want to always be accessible and approachable and interruptible.
“It is quite simple. It is life on life. Far too often we complicate it. We make it something He never intended it to be. Jesus’ last command was for us to make disciples to the utter ends of the earth. How can we ever do that if we get distracted by fear and complication?” Karina! How did you know I needed these words RIGHT now? I am planning to meet with a college gal later today for the very purpose of mentoring. This post was so timely! Thank you!
Stop! That is awesome Pearl! His timing is perfect!
Let me know how it goes!!!!
Karina, it went well! She came over and we spent a chunk of time just doing life with each other, talking, and discussing the study we’re going to start. I didn’t feel pressured. I had peace. I didn’t even stress about the condition of my house! (I think that might be a first.) I’m thinking that in being the best version of ourselves (well, I mean I know we aren’t always but by God’s grace), we gift others and invite them to just rest in God’s grace too. Thank you SO MUCH, again, Karina!! You are such a blessing.
Karina! Loved this post, so much. Miss you, girl!!
Thank you Britta! I miss you! Let’s chat soon!
I’m coming to the end of this post and just rejoicing with you in the clarity of your calling. It comes through your words like a fire hose!
I felt the Holy Ghost! Thank you so much Michele!!!!!
Amen
Dear Karina, what an encouraging message!!! When many talk of discipleship, it tends to take on a “regimented” shape —- a wrong or right way — when simply reaching out to others, encouraging, sharing, teaching and loving will enable us to be His hands, feet and mouthpiece in the earth. May God bless you for encouraging (especially me) others with your words.
Thank you so much Rebecca!
I pray that God will continually give you a heart to live that type of life of reaching out and loving and encouraging in the simplest of ways.
I, too, have a heart deeply desiring discipleship. I have come to believe that discipleship and community are inseparable, as it’s through community disciples are made and love flows. Due to a chronic environmental illness (EI/MCS) which makes being in face-to-face community disabling because of numerous sensitivities including fragrance/scents, many cleaning and building supplies, I have struggled to find those who feel equipped to come alongside me. And, I’m not alone in this struggle, I have met a number of like believing sufferers who are disconnected from local church because of this illness. For years, I sought mentoring through the church my family attended in that time, but I found that most are afraid of not knowing what to do or busy with “in church” more typical ministry. To come alongside someone with EI/MCS takes thinking outside the box. Currently, I am engaging with a new church in a different state through phone, email and video chats. They also admit their feeling inadequate and ill-equipped in many ways. I so understand this, I feel this way as well. But, God is not without power, nor the ability to equipped us! So, I continue to pray for this equipping, not only for myself, but for my fellow isolated sufferers around the world (and there are many). Thank you, Katrina, for addressing this wonderful call in our lives. As I pray for the Lord to continue to grow you in your places of being mentored/discipled and of mentoring/discipling, would you all pray for the isolated EI/MCS people who are in great need of the body of Christ? Blessings to each of you!
Diana, thank you for reminding us about the EI/MCS community. They are sadly forgotten by us. Know that y’all are so valued and loved. I pray that we, as the Body, will begin to do a better job of reaching out with care and serving.
I pray that all of you will feel loved by our words and actions.
Our dear InSister, Sara Frankl lived a life physically set apart form others for the most part. But, it was such a joy to watch how God enabled her to experience auhentic community in unconventional ways. He is an out of the box God. May He bring creativity to how everyone can do life together and build relationship.
May God strengthen you and lead you in every step.
Thank you, Katrina, for your encouraging words and the unity of prayer we have for the isolated ones. May the Lord guide us as we “chase down community” as Sara did!
Karina,
Thank-you for your heartfelt post.
Simple frees us of what doesn’t really matter, and helps to keep things more clear.
Have a blessed day all,
Penny
Thank you Penny for reading and sharing!
While reading Genesis 14:14 this morning, the Holy Spirit asked me: “Who are YOU training?”……. Your timely words are affirmation for my walk right now. Thank you, sister.
Amen Jeannie!
I love it when He does that! Keep me posted on who He brings into your life. 🙂
Loved reading this post very much Karina! Thank you for sharing so many truths and so much love! Blessings and love ❤❤
Stephanie, thank you!!! It was a pleasure to share His truth!
Be blessed!
I think it’s important as you say to, ” Call it out. ” So many of us need encouragement, and especially young women before they make bad choices. It is always easy to state the obvious but to use our faith takes growing in grace.
Amen Rebecca! It’s so important. I pray that we always encourage and love like Jesus!
Blessings!
Thank you for writing about the topic of discipleship. It’s a subject that’s near to my heart because in the last 12-18 months God has been bringing me more into my calling to disciple. Over the last several weeks He has been laying it on my heart to be more encouraging, which doesn’t come naturally for me. Oh, how I lean on Him! I love what you said, “disciples are made when encouragement becomes a priority.”
Kelly, I love the work God is doing in your life! I pray that you lean in to His strength and step out of your comfort zone. There is such a reward awaiting you!
Thank you, my husband and I run a youth group in our local rural community. We set it up in response to a need. Most of the youth and other leaders are not Christians. We are praying for the appropriate way to make Jesus the centre and draw these guys to Christ. You have really encouraged me with these words. To keep in doing what we are doing, loving, caring and walking alongside
Amen Anna!
I pray that God will lead and guide and capture every heart!
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Karina that means a lot
Karina,
I, too, am an encourager by nature. I love sending cards, e-cards, texts, etc. to make someone’s day. I never thought that what I was doing was discipleship. Wow! I used to visit an assisted living 4 or so times a week to see dad. I would smile & chat with the residents there. Wanting them to be happy, if only for a minute. Now I go to the hospital and visit dad. While there I try to smile at other patients and their families. I always try to smile and hug people-just trying to make their day.
Blessings 🙂
That’s beautiful Beth! Keep it up! You are leading and loving and discipling in those ways. It’s a good thing!
Thank you for sharing!