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Personally, a relationship with Jesus comes with a challenge to reorient your life to be more like him. He says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 Part of that reorientation is reflected in one of Heartland’s core values: developing excellence - giving God our very best. God meets us where we are, but through relationship with Him expects us to up our game, moving closer to Him as we give Him the best parts of ourselves.
In the context of a discipling relationship, Jesus challenges us to give of ourselves - “freely you have received; freely give.” Matthew 10:8 This act serves not only to answer Jesus’ challenge, but to extend an invitation to another, creating a cycle of invitation and challenge through discipling relationships, growing the body of Christ.
Part of this giving is acting on the Great Commission to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20. You cannot make disciples without entering into relationships with people, inviting them to walk alongside you. The challenge part of this relationship comes as you walk out the latter part of the Great Commission, teaching others what you have learned through relationship with Jesus. Part of discipling someone involves challenging them to give their very best to God.
Who have you invited into a relationship? How have you challenged them to give their very best to God?
