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Discipleship Is Not About Me

11/7/2013

9 Comments

 
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I had only been officially on full-time staff for about month, when this gal I was working with stared me right in the face and said, “ I don’t want to meet up with you anymore because you’re too happy and I don’t like the look of compassion you give me.” Talk about a blow to my confidence!

Since then, it seems like I tend to get “discipleship dumped” on a yearly basis. My schedule is packed at the beginning of the year, and by the end of the year I am meeting with somewhere between 1/3 to 2/3 of the girls I started with. Not too long ago a gal asked to meet with me to do discipleship and even gave me a book she wanted to go through. The next week she said she probably wouldn’t be able to meet with me.
I kept asking God, “Lord, what am I doing wrong? Am I too pushy? Am I asking for too much too much commitment too early? Am I not challenging them enough? Am I challenging them too much? Am I really too happy for people?”

Then God brings up the same verse that my campus directors brought up with me. 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 says (emphasis mine), “So, what is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you have believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

I am not in charge of the growth of those ladies who I work with, nor am I in charge of the growth of those who don’t want to meet with me. Discipleship isn’t about my performance. I can do all I can to do my best for Jesus, but at the end of the day it’s not about me. They are not MY disciples! They are disciples of Christ!!

Nor is discipleship about the other person – it’s not about what they do or don’t “get out of it”. Discipleship is about Jesus and dependent on the growth produced by God Himself. Discipleship is a process where two disciples of Jesus Christ come together to learn more about Jesus and how they can best be disciples of Jesus they can be. One person in this relationship may be one the more mature one to give more advice, challenges, etc. But both are learning what it looks like to be more like Christ.

Lord Jesus, Thank you that discipleship is about you and not about me! Thank you for freeing me from the burdens I put on myself to perform as a leader and as a “discipler”. Thank you that the ladies you bring into my life, for however long or short I am privileged to work with them, that they are YOUR disciples following You and Your example. Thank you for causing the growth in each of them, and thank you for causing the growth in my life as well as I learn more and more what it looks like to be your disciple. Continue to disciple us all on what it looks like disciple others. 
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About Leah

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Leah works with Master Plan Ministries at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. Other than watching college students' lives change, she enjoys getting her mind blown by God and His Word, watching sci fi, baking cupcakes, and spending time with her hunky husband.

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9 Comments
Asia Braggs link
11/10/2013 01:12:12 pm

This is a great post. Thanks for sharing. Discipleship is want I wish I had and want to begin doing. I love your heart and prayer. We as Christian can do so much in other people lives. It is amazing and great to know that God is in control.

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Leah Hillewaert
11/13/2013 12:38:03 pm

Thanks for reading, Asia! Praying that God will continue to encourage you as you follow Christ.

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Hazel Moon link
11/10/2013 02:59:55 pm

Keep smiling - it is Jesus and please do not put out the light! Just be yourself allowing Jesus to tell you what to do and what to say.

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Laura link
11/11/2013 10:36:05 am

This is beautiful,Leah. And so true. A reminder I need too often I fear. Thank you.

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Leah Hillewaert
11/13/2013 12:42:39 pm

No worries, I still smile a lot! I can't stop being who God has made me. Thank you for reading ladies! Praying that you all find lots of joy in discipleship!!

Reply
Sharon link
11/14/2014 05:16:55 am

Thank you Leah. This was a much needed reminder and encouragement. Just this week I was feeling as if there is something wrong with me as I have had a few "failed" attempts as discipleship. But you are so right....it's just not about me! ;-)

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Leah Hillewaert link
11/14/2014 08:10:31 am

Sharon, so glad it has encouraged you! To be honest, I needed this this week too feeling like I failed. Man, I am so glad that discipleship IS about Jesus!

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Shannon Clark link
12/8/2014 01:14:03 pm

We have talked at our church about the fact that one of our weaknesses is discipleship. When people get saved/baptized we don't follow up with them. Since I have only been attending church since March I haven't seen anyone get saved or baptized so I'm not even sure if they continue to attend church afterwards or not. We are a small church.

I would think being a happy person would be a great characteristic when being a disciple to others though!! :)

I rededicated my life to Christ back in March and got re-baptized in August, and I am ON FIRE for Jesus!! But to be honest I haven't met that many believers that seem to be on fire. :)

Have a great week and keep pressing on!!!

Shannon
http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com

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Nancy link
8/15/2019 05:49:52 am

Believe me when I say what you just described has happened to me many times. I have been in the same church for 27 years and seen many people who would rather be miserable than reach out and take Jesus by the hand and smile each day. I am a 53 year old and menopause has taken it's toll or I should I have allowed it to take its toll. I welcome your prayers and I will pray for you as well that God will continue to give you the strength to serve him no matter how many people come or do not come to your studies. When no one is there "be still and know". May God Bless your loving servants heart.

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  • Home
    • Ministry Resources for Women >
      • Beholding Him Freebie
    • Contributors
    • Statement of Faith
  • Blog
    • Ministry >
      • Evangelism {Win}
      • Discipleship {Build}
      • Living Missionally {Send}
    • God's Word >
      • Bible Study
      • Prayer
      • Devotionals
      • Bible Studies
      • Apologetics
    • Relationships >
      • Marriage
      • Singleness
      • Dating
      • Family
      • Friendship
    • World >
      • Social Justice Issues
      • Internet & Social Media
      • Politics
      • International
      • Science Revealing God
    • Life >
      • Image & Idenity
      • Health
      • Fashion
      • Food
      • Organization
  • Bible Study Resources
  • Prints
  • Stickers
  • Quiet Time Journals
  • Courses
    • Discover God's Calling
    • Women's Ministry Training Promo
    • How to Study the Bible
    • Women's Ministry Training Course
    • Growing in Your Faith Mini Course
  • Retreat
  • Video Bible Studies
    • Matthew
    • John
    • Galatians
    • Philippians
    • Know your Purpose
    • Creation Reveals
    • Ministry
    • Heart Growth
  • You Are Unshaken Book
    • Unshaken Groups
    • You Are Unshaken Paint Party
    • Unshaken Freebies
  • Shop