“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.” – John 15:7-8
It’s hard to succeed in life without a role model (or two, or three). We all need someone who’s “been there, done that” to learn from.
By issuing the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), Jesus left no doubt as to His expectations for His followers. They were to “make disciples of all nations.” His command remains vitally important today – perhaps now more than ever.
How to bring someone to Christ, though, who perhaps has no related experience or interaction? How to help someone know Jesus who’s never been told of Him? A tall task, indeed.
The job calls for role models – meaning, every one of us. People unafraid to share their relationship with Jesus. People who live His values in word and action. Those who radiate the Holy Spirit, leading others to wonder about the source of their joy.
Do we consistently meet these qualifications? Is it even possible? Can we really be the role models who are needed?
Reclaim Your Youth
“And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, and said ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:2-4
The old saying, “Out of the mouths of babes,” has Biblical origins (Psalm 8:2). It references the quality of children to unequivocally state their feelings and observations – free from the filters and reservations of adulthood. Children speak with innocent honesty and authenticity. Once, we all did.
As we go through life, an imposter version of ourselves emerges. The world’s expectations change us. We adapt to whom others want us to be – not God.
We can’t hide who we truly are, though. Inauthenticity is difficult to cloak. We know at our core who God made us to be. Why disguise it?
Thankfully, God forgives those who make mistakes. He redeems those in the grip of false ideologies – whether spiritually, or in the form of worldly distractions.
We are called to model Christian behavior as leaders. We are compelled to help others join our community. When they experience a life with Jesus at its center, they’ll finally understand why they’re there.
Prepare for the Moment
“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.” – Exodus 23:20
Despite our best efforts to set a Godly example as disciples, evangelism can still be a heavy lift. People who don’t know Christ rarely seek Him out randomly.
There’s usually a life event, or a time of soul searching, that drives them into His arms. If we’ve been role models who set examples of Christly living, though, the path will be clearer. They’ll know who to ask questions. They’ll understand who will listen.
When that moment occurs, be ready to meet people where they are. Be present in their hour of need. Assure them of their personal value … because they are made in God’s image.
Unsure about this awesome responsibility? Pray to Jesus. Ask for His help preparing. He who proclaimed the Great Commission, will empower you to carry it out.
Despite our all-too-human missteps, God guides us daily to learn and love. He enables us to become the examples others can look to. We just need to ensure that what we look like on the outside, matches who we are on the inside.
(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C-Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Join us as a member. Plant a chapter where you live. Consider becoming a corporate partner. Follow C-Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)
