Deuteronomy 6:20-21 In the future, when your son asks you, “What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the LORD our God has commanded you?” tell him.

As I read this just now I heard strong echoes of the Great Commission: “Make disciples, teaching them to observe all I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-20) Our first (in the sense of priority) disciples are our children. We are not making disciples for ourselves, but for God, and that involves teaching by word and by example. If we are careful to place God first in every area of our lives, then both our physical children and our spiritual children will want to know what that’s all about, and we’re to tell them. Sometimes that will be in formal settings, when we know ahead of time what we will need to do, but more often it will be unplanned, and that’s why Peter’s words on the subject are so important. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) It’s significant that this is immediately preceded in the same verse by “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.” If we aren’t following Christ as Lord ourselves, we have nothing to teach anyone. It is when we are demonstrating the reality of the Gospel in daily living that we will be effective in drawing others to follow Christ as His disciples.

I haven’t had the success I have desired in terms of numbers in drawing people to Christ, but several have accepted the challenge to full discipleship, and for that I am grateful. It has been commented that this church seems to attract people with emotional problems. I’m not to run from that, but recognize that we all have problems, and that “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (1 Corinthians 1:27) If I turn away anyone because they don’t meet my standards, then I am trying to make disciples for myself rather than for Christ. I am to be as open a conduit as God allows me to be, allowing His truth, His grace and love, to flow through me to all who will receive, whether or not I would have chosen them, humanly speaking, myself. At one time I foolishly thought that God was blessed to have someone like me on His team. How stupid! I must remember, as Paul did, that “We have this treasure in earthen vessels,” (1 Corinthians 4:7) and not think that I’m anything more than a cracked pot. If I will do that, His “treasure” will leak through the cracks and bless many.

Father, it feels like the pace is really picking up. The spiritual conflicts are escalating, so that’s all the more reason to anticipate Your victory, Your breakthrough, in every area. Help me be faithful each step of the way, each moment, so that all of Your plans may be fulfilled, drawing many into active, joyful discipleship, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!