Reflections on the Journey: Embracing the Way of a Disciple

Greetings, beloved church family,

As I stand back and reflect on our recently concluded series, "The Way of a Disciple," my heart swells with gratitude and anticipation for what God is doing in our lives. Over the past ten weeks, we've embarked on a profound journey together, exploring what it truly means to live as disciples of Jesus. It's been a season of challenge, growth, and renewal, and I'm both humbled and excited by the path ahead of us.

In this series, we delved into the call to surrender to Jesus, obey His commands, reflect His goodness, and make other disciples. These aren't just concepts to be understood; they are the essence of our mission as followers of Christ and as a church. When the world tells us to focus on self-interest and immediate gratification, Jesus invites us to a deeper, richer life—a life that thrives in the ebb and flow of surrender and service.

What strikes me as particularly powerful is the idea that discipleship is a lifelong journey. Like a hike with its ups and downs, it's not just about reaching a destination but about the path we're walking—step by step, day by day. It requires perseverance, humility, and a constant willingness to look up from the rocks and roots that could trip us.

Paul's words in Philippians 3 resonate deeply with me, especially his admission that he has not yet achieved perfection. If someone as faithful and influential as Paul was still in process, then surely we, too, are called to embrace the ongoing transformation that comes from walking with Jesus. It's a journey of becoming that never truly ends—at least not in this life.

One crucial aspect of our walk as disciples is influencing others towards Jesus. Discipleship isn't solitary; it's communal. It's about multiplication, not merely addition. We must move beyond just being receivers of the Word to becoming transmitters of it. Whether through a triad, a band, or another relational form of discipleship, our call is to invest in the lives of others, to plant seeds, and to watch as God brings growth.

As we transition into the Advent season, I encourage you to consider how you might influence someone towards Jesus during this special time. Advent is a season of expectation and wonder—a perfect backdrop to invite others into the story of hope and redemption. Who has God placed in your life to walk alongside on this journey?

I am reminded of a simple yet profound truth: We are in partnership with God, not to take on burdens we are not meant to carry, but to faithfully walk with Him and others. Let's lean into this partnership, knowing that the Holy Spirit is the one who saves and transforms. We merely need to be obedient and willing—willing to influence, to pray, and to invite.

As we wrap up this series, let us not view it as an end but as a launching pad for our ongoing journey of faith. May we focus on forgetting what is behind and pressing forward to what lies ahead, keeping our eyes fixed on the heavenly prize.

Let's continue to walk this road together, influencing others towards Jesus, and trusting in the beauty of the journey He has set before us.

In His love and grace,