Discipleship

Most of us enjoy encouraging people. We like celebrating their successes, offering a kind word, and helping them feel better when life is difficult. But discipleship involves something more challenging: helping people recognize where they need to change.

Imagine a baseball coach watching a young player hold a bat incorrectly. If the coach wants the player to improve, he cannot simply praise the effort and ignore the mistake. He must explain what is wrong and demonstrate a better way.

Christian discipleship also requires loving correction. Jesus commanded His followers not only to make disciples but to teach them to obey everything He commanded. That means helping one another recognize where our lives do not line up with God’s Word.

In Acts 9, Ananias was sent to Saul at a crucial moment in Saul’s life. Saul needed help understanding what had happened, receiving care, and responding in obedience. Ananias did not avoid the difficult parts of his assignment. He went to Saul and helped him move forward.

We may find it easy to tell someone about Jesus or invite them to church. But what happens when we see a fellow believer struggling with sin? What happens when someone needs to be challenged to obey God’s Word, seek help for an addiction, or take a neglected step of faith?

It’s tempting to stay quiet. We may fear an awkward conversation, damaged feelings, or a strained relationship. Sometimes we convince ourselves that keeping the peace is the loving thing to do.

But biblical love seeks another person’s spiritual good. If we see someone heading in a harmful direction, genuine concern may require us to speak.

Of course, correction must be shaped by humility, patience, and Scripture. Discipleship is not an excuse to control people, criticize every imperfection, or act as though we have everything figured out. We need to examine our own hearts and approach others with the same grace we need ourselves.

And correction is only part of the work. A coach who points out a mistake but refuses to help the player improve is not doing the whole job. Likewise, we should not confront someone’s struggle and then leave them to face it alone.

Loving discipleship says, “This is not the way Jesus calls you to live. Let’s take the next step toward obedience together.”

Sometimes helping someone grow means speaking a difficult truth. Sometimes it means listening, praying, setting wise boundaries, or continuing to walk with them for months. Whatever it requires, the goal is not to win an argument. The goal is to help another person become more faithful to Jesus.

Discipleship sounds wonderful until we begin thinking about what it actually requires.

We must take the initiative to build relationships. We must make time for people. We must help them understand God’s Word, encourage their obedience, and sometimes have uncomfortable conversations. We must continue walking alongside them when growth is slow and problems are complicated.

It is easy to look at all of that and think, “I can’t do this.”

Perhaps you feel uncomfortable approaching someone you don’t know well. Maybe inviting another person into your home feels intimidating. Or perhaps you know someone who needs spiritual correction, but you are afraid of how they might respond.

Jesus knows that making disciples is difficult. That’s why His command in Matthew 28 doesn’t end with the instruction to go and make disciples. He also gives His followers a promise: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

We are not called to do the work of discipleship alone. Jesus is with His people as they carry out His mission.

In Matthew 18:15–20, Jesus also speaks about the responsibility of His gathered church to address sin and pursue restoration. He promises His presence among those gathered in His name in that context. Discipleship, therefore, is not merely a private project between two individuals. It belongs within the life and accountability of the local church.

This helps explain why church membership matters. A Christian can learn from many sources, but Jesus has also given His church a responsibility to teach obedience, care for believers, and address serious spiritual problems. We need one another, and we need a church committed to helping its members follow Christ.

That responsibility can feel uncomfortable. Discipline is rarely easy, and spiritual growth often takes much longer than we expect. But Jesus has not left His church without direction or His people without His presence.

Remember Saul’s story in Acts 9. His transformation did not end with one dramatic encounter on the road to Damascus. He needed Ananias to come to him, help him, and walk with him through the next steps. He then spent time with other disciples and was strengthened.

Growth takes time. Discipleship takes time. But the work is worth doing because people matter to Jesus.

So instead of asking only, “How much have I grown as a Christian?” consider another question: “Whom am I helping grow in Christ?”

You may not feel qualified to disciple someone. You may not know exactly what to say or how to address every problem. Start by praying, building a relationship, opening God’s Word together, and asking your church for help when you need it.

You don’t have to be the perfect teacher. You need to be a faithful follower of Jesus who is willing to help someone else follow Him, too.

The work is challenging, but we have a reason to keep going: Jesus is with us.