Our Discipleship Journey: Part 1Sample

Authentic Curiosity

In Acts 16, we read about Paul and Timothy’s interaction with a group of women in the Roman colony of Philippi, which leads to multiple people coming to know Jesus. Roman citizens placed a high value on their independence, freedom, and rights. They might’ve called it something different at the time, but they essentially lived by today’s cultural mantra of ‘you do you’, which celebrates being true to yourself – and calling it ‘authenticity’ – even if you’re going against social norms or the ideals of your friends and family. But the authenticity on display in Acts 16 isn’t like this at all. Rather, it leads to the doors of relationship opening, to meaningful conversations, to unity, selflessness, and fellowship, and to the discovery of Jesus.

Paul and Timothy leave the city and head down to the river, expecting to find a place to pray. They sit down and start chatting with the women gathered there. Immediately, they’re drawn into conversation with Lydia, a God-seeking woman. They recognise that God is already at work in her life as she responds to Paul’s message. Paul and Lydia shared the common ground of both being artisans and businesspeople, and this could’ve provided a natural opening for casual conversation to turn into meaningful conversation. When you find common ground with someone, consider how you might move your conversations from casual to meaningful.

We can all become more authentic, forming relationships on the basis of curiosity. As we go about our daily lives and meet people, we can ask about their passions, interests, and strengths. You don’t have to be invasive, just caring. Ask someone what they believe about their life’s purpose. People are more eager than you think to talk about what’s important to them, and showing genuine interest deepens relationships. When we discover that people are open to authentic conversations, we discover lives that God wants to encounter all around us. Not only did Lydia discover Jesus for herself, but she brought Him back to her place of influence, and members of her home discovered Him as well and were baptised. God then subsequently used Lydia to open a significant door for the spread of the gospel into Europe. It’s astonishing to realise that your influence in one person’s life flows over into the lives of people beyond your reach.

As we consider the idea of being genuinely interested in others, with their best interests at heart, let’s remind ourselves that people aren’t projects. Rather, they’re wonderful, complex image-bearers who are loved by God. Our goal should be to unlock doors of relationship with the key of authentic curiosity. Let’s honour every conversation, treasure every relationship, and love and serve everyone – but let’s intentionally look for where God is working. May we yield ourselves to the simplicity of listening to others, finding common ground, and searching for God within their stories. May we respond to Jesus’ invitation and join Him in the casual, the meaningful, and the spiritual conversations, for the sake of His Kingdom and glory.