Nurturing Baby BelieversSample

Day 4: We Set an Example to Follow.

The apostle Paul wrote these loving words to Christ-followers in Thessalonica: “We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:8 NLT). This was not hit-and-run witnessing; Paul recognized the importance of investing his own life into people who responded eagerly to the call of Christ. Later, he advised Timothy to set an example for believers as well (1 Timothy 4:12).

It is said that most important concepts are more easily 'caught' than taught. Making disciples is not a 'do as I say, not as I do' enterprise. As I have watched the three disciples I’m closest to—my three daughters—grow up, I have been humbled (and sometimes dismayed) to discover how readily they imitate my actions. Spiritual disciples also model themselves after their mentors. They listen to our words, which experts say, make up only 37 percent of all communication. They also pay attention to the way we say things and watch our body language, which together comprises the remaining 63 percent.

Being an example may seem like an awesome responsibility for one desiring to make disciples. It is. But without our example of commitment to Christ, flaws included, who will set the pace for new Christians?

Yet we need not feel like the weight rests on our shoulders alone. We have the greatest resource of all, the Holy Spirit, and also other members of the body of Christ.

Fledgling Christians need to learn from someone they can observe in the trenches of real life. It takes commitment. Will you accept the challenge?