Bible Passage: “You know how we lived among you for your benefit, and you yourselves became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 1:5-6 CSB)
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
What do you do once you’ve tapped someone on the shoulder and begin to walk with them?
A lot of what you do is simply share your life, as honestly as possible, as you follow God.
A pastor invited a couple over for dinner. During dinner, the pastor and his wife began to fight. The couple, sensing the awkwardness, started looking at their watches. “Look at the time! We’d better get going.”
The pastor stopped them. “You can’t leave yet! You’ve watched us fight. Now you need to watch us repent.”
They did, and the couple got to see their pastor struggle with the same things that every husband does. They got to see him apply the Gospel to his own heart and marriage.
I used to think that discipleship was mainly about content. Now I know it’s more than that.
The content of Scripture is important, but we also need examples of how someone is living the truth of the Gospel out in their own lives.
We don’t need to see only their successes; we need to see their struggles and growth, too.
Invite people into your life. Let them see the real you, with your struggles and successes. Be honest about what’s hard. Show them how God helps you with the same issues that we all face.
You don’t need to be miles ahead of those you disciple; you just need to invite them along as you follow Jesus, walking alongside them as honestly as possible.
Don’t settle for teaching content. Teach them with your honest example. Invite them to imitate you as you imitate Christ and show them what it looks like in real life.
Prayer: Lord, help me to open up and share my life with others. Amen.
Reflection: What are some ways you can share your life, as honestly as possible, with others?
Copyright © 2026 Impactus. All rights reserved.
About
