No one expected to see them there, sitting all alone, in church—of all places. But at the end of the service they came forward to speak with the minister…seeking.
It was sweet to see them come forward, searching for what Jesus has to offer, some peace in their troubled life.
This seemed like a special moment. There was hope in that day.
It seems, though, it was not long before they backed away from attending church. Visibly, some of their previous behaviors and patterns returned. Sadly, they never openly returned to the Church.
Although I can’t know their heart, it breaks mine to think that they walked away. I have to wonder what went wrong.
Thinking of them this week, I wonder if they needed some relief that Sunday, some peace. Or were they sincerely seeking and just didn’t know how to move forward, how to grow in their faith, how to develop strong roots?
That question made me wonder. As part of the Church, am I doing all that I can to encourage other believers, and to make sure new believers have what they need to move forward and grow in their faith?
Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to consider and encourage one another.
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. – Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV)
I believe this passage does speak of encouragement. That is something we can all use a little more of these days.
Encouraging others and helping them become strong disciples of Christ should be an ongoing and natural activity of the Church.
Jesus told us, “Therefore, go and make disciples…” (Matthew 28:19) ~ ESV
The importance of discipleship is massive. There are many things competing for our attention. Therefore, new believers may need assistance as they learn how to navigate the faith life. They may need someone to be an example of how to develop a strong faith foundation.
That strong foundation will help them lean into their faith when they face setbacks, trials and when they are tempted by previous behaviors. It is important for all believers, but especially new believers, to understand that setbacks and difficulties will come.
It makes me sad to see someone accept Christ’s Message willingly and eagerly, only to see them lose steam and possibly step away. The Church, seemingly, marks them safe, sits them aside and then starts looking for the next one.
That is on us.
As part of the Church, we cannot control another person’s choices, and no amount of discipleship guarantees that someone will persevere.
But we can fail to teach new believers. We can neglect them after their initial profession of faith. We can celebrate a decision without investing in the person who made it.
Making disciples involves more than welcoming someone into the church building or celebrating a decision. Discipleship includes teaching, encouraging, leading by example. It involves fellowship, accountability, correction, and walking alongside them as they learn to follow Christ. They need to see what a healthy Church Body looks like in action.
God does not leave us hanging out there to struggle through this faith journey all alone. He gives us His Holy Spirit. He is with us, and we are dependent on Him. He gives us His Word. He gives us the ability to come to Him in prayer through Jesus. He also gives us a whole faith community that can help us as we grow in our relationship with God.
It is my prayer that we, as the Church, will more actively disciple new believers, doing all we can to help them become established and persevere in their faith.
It is my desire to produce fruit that will help God’s Kingdom grow. I desire for my Lord to help me reflect His light to others to strengthen them and assist them as they navigate their faith.
For me, personally, I feel blessed as I realize that even though I have a strong faith with deep roots, there is still room for me to continue to grow. God has surrounded me with those that will provide discipleship and accountability as I go and grow.
I pray that every believer, new and seasoned, will have that same support system.
We may never know how deeply another person’s faith roots may grow. But we can make sure we’re doing our part to help the people God places in our path grow theirs.
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What is your relationship to the all-knowing God of the universe? Do you know the peace that can come only from an intimate relationship with Jesus? You can know Him. Jesus Christ—God’s Son, born into human flesh, sinless, crucified and giving His life freely, buried, arisen on the third day—will come into your life and change the outcome of your eternity. You just have to be willing to believe and accept His truth. In addition, here is an excellent page that can give you additional information on peace with God: PeaceWithGod.net.
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