One of the biggest responsibilities I have as a missionary is discipleship. Jesus commands us in the Great Commission, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.” There are multiple ways to disciple or teach others, building them up “unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” (Eph. 4:13) Directly teaching in a classroom or small group setting is great, but a saying from my years in education comes to mind: “More is caught than is taught.” In Deuteronomy 6:7 we find a command to live out God’s word in front of people – “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Sometimes the best lessons are taught by living everyday life in front of others that we are in a close relationship with.
Sometimes the best lessons are taught by living everyday life in front of others that we are in a close relationship with.
In Costa Rica, I have made it my goal to pour into the lives of several of the men of our church. I met David early in our ministry in Paraiso, Cartago. David was a taxi driver for many years and is also a successful backyard mechanic. I have begun to visit David on a regular basis at his home in Birrisito. He has helped me wash and wax our vehicle, change the oil, etc. Many of these things are tasks that I can easily do myself, but I choose to look for opportunities to “live life” in front of David and ask for his help. In turn, God has provided many occasions for spiritual conversations with both David and his wife Laura.
My desire is for God’s kingdom to be established in Paraiso, Cartago, through the lives of the local men and women who are in contact with our church. I do plan on starting regular discipleship classes at the church where there is opportunity for solid doctrine to be taught systematically to our people, but discipleship through living life with our people is irreplaceable.
May God give us wisdom and the power of the Holy Spirit to put into practice the truths of His word in such a way that we are living lessons for the people God has placed in our sphere of influence!