Follow first
By Jim Boesch
Jesus’ first charge to his 12 hand-picked disciples was not to leave Jerusalem to “make disciples of all nations . . .” (The Great Commission––Matthew 28:18-20).
His first directive was “Come follow me . . .” (Matthew 4:18-22).
We work hard at doing church on Sundays and Wednesday nights. We support missional outreach in our own communities and around the world.
We collect and donate tons of material for needy people and projects. All of this is done for good purposes.
But are we becoming the disciples God calls us to be?
Are we engaged in service to God’s Kingdom during our all-too-brief earthly journeys?
Lasting transformation can only be sustained through following the same disciplines that Jesus practiced:
- Abide in God’s unconditional love––with confidence grounded in trust.
“A new commandment I give you; love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
––John 13: 34-35
- Practice solitude––spend time alone with God.
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
––Mark 1:35
- Experience prayer––speak with God.
“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’”
––Luke 11:1
- Apply Scripture––prepare for the challenges that are to come.
“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
––2 Timothy 3:16-17
- Maintain supportive relationships––share their vulnerabilities
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
––Proverbs 27:6
We are created to change the world; let’s be change agents who reflect God’s love and grace.
Jim Boesch, deployed staff member
General Commission on UM Men