We have learned what a disciple is. We have discussed what it means to be a disciple. We have delved into the level of honesty and authenticity required to make a discipling relationship work. How does a discipler help bring about growth and life change in their disciple? We do it by imitating Jesus.
In this relationship we "intentionally walk alongside a growing disciple or disciples in order to encourage, correct and challenge them in love to grow toward maturity in Christ." (Greg Ogden, Discipleship Essentials: A Guide to Building Your Life in Christ) It is important for us to strive to live our lives in a Christlike manner because, as Ogden points out, "we pass on Christlikeness through intimate modeling." We all know how well our children follow directions when we live by the "do as I say, not as I do" model - not very well. If we want our children to grow up to be polite, we must model polite behavior for them. If we want our children to be kind, we must let them see us being kind to others. If we want our children (or spouse, friend, family member, etc.) to live in the Word, we must make Bible reading a priority in our own lives.
In a letter to the Church in Corinth, Paul writes, "therefore I urge you to imitate me." (1 Corinthians 4:16) He was writing to them as a discipler. He sent his son, Timothy, to "remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus" (1 Cor. 4:17). He is modeling Christlike behavior to his disciples and sends Timothy to remind them of how to act when he cannot be there to show them himself.
Paul later sent a message of thanksgiving to the church of the Thessalonians for their faith and their emulation of Christlike behavior, saying "you became imitators of us and of the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 1:6). He goes on to write, "and so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedionia and Achaia - your faith in God has become known everywhere" (1 Thes. 1:7-8). Their actions spoke volumes about their faith and the character of Christ.
None of this is to say that you have to be perfect. "In our lives, nothing is more powerful than when our discipler consistently and intentionally COMBINES the gospel of Jesus with their own down-to-earth, imperfect, and authentic life" (Heartland BHAG-FAQ's). It is through our honestly imperfect imitation of Christ that God's true grace is revealed. The key is that we are trying to model our lives after Christ, not that we have succeeded.
Are you imitating Jesus to the people in your life?
