Presenting ...
... a weekly letter of encouragement.
30 July, 1997 - Singapore
Good Morning!
THE TRUE MEASURE OF A SHEPHERD-DISCIPLER
I wonder how much of what is accepted today as "shepherding"
or "discipling" has the imprimatur of Christ's life
upon it?
BIBLICALLY-BASED SHEPHERD-DISCIPLERS:
- APPEAR TO BE INDISCRIMINATE IN THEIR SELECTION OF PEOPLE:
Jesus ministered at large to lepers and princes, outcasts
and the elite. In selecting the twelve, He chose rebels. Working-class
men. Non-descripts. Their one commonality seemed to be a mutual
hunger for God (Judas excepted).
- By contrast, we tend to choose those with whom we find
a natural affinity: Those who "fit in" with our social,
educational, or economic milieu.
- ARE WILLING TO SUFFER WHATEVER IS NECESSARY TO SEE THEIR SHEEP MATURE:
Consider Paul's example:
"Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the
elect...I am in the pains of childbirth until Christ
is formed in you." (2 Timothy 2:10a; Galatians 4:19b)
- By contrast, we tend to evaluate "success"
in our ministry by such relatively superficial criterion
as our disciples' (1) mastery of certain disciplines, (2)
their endorsement of our ministry objectives for them,
or (3) their continued affirmation of us as their spiritual
leader.
- POINT PEOPLE TO THE MASTER - NEVER TO THEMSELVES:
When John's disciples met Jesus, John immediately stepped into
the background, thereby allowing them to follow the Master.
(John 1:35-39;3:30)
- By contrast, we run the risk of developing in
our sheep an unhealthy sense of dependency upon us, or obligation
to us. Unwittingly, this aberration is fostered through subtle
manipulation or abuse of authority, thus delaying or inhibiting
their matriculation toward healthy independence.
"...Make up your mind not to put any stumbling
block or obstacle in your brother's way."
(Romans 14:13b)
QUESTION: In ministering to others, what
is our primary motivation: The furtherance of God's
Kingdom and Glory, or something as mundane or minuscule as our
personal fulfillment or aggrandizement?
My prayer is that you are having a great week.
Dwight Hill
- 1 Coleman Street #02-34
The Adelphi - Singapore 0617 .
- Phone: 337 6498; Fax: 336 9913
(c) Copyright 1996 Dwight Hill. Unlimited permission to copy or use is hereby granted subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.
 |
Back to Antioch's Well Back to Antioch's Home Page |