I was recently asked to recall individuals (apart from immediate family) who had influenced the direction of my life for the glory of God. In other words, who discipled me either directly or indirectly? Honestly, I strained to think of anyone off the top of my head, but I thought surely several would come to mind if I took the time to ponder the question more deeply.
So, I began the mental journey of thinking back to my childhood by asking myself, “Who were the teachers, acquaintances, family friends, or even strangers who impacted me spiritually?” It’s disheartening to admit that no one came to mind. I’m not saying there weren’t positive influences. I grew up in the church and attended Sunday school classes, Wednesday night studies, and youth events. Many dedicated servants poured into me, but for some reason, I couldn’t recall a personal connection with anyone, a connection that had left a lasting imprint on my young heart.
I wanted desperately to think of someone, so I moved on to adulthood, and one particular person stood out—a teacher. It was my second principalship, and I was both excited and nervous. The school and district were much larger than my previous one. We had moved states, so my learning curve had skyrocketed regarding all the new guidelines and curriculum. In addition, I was overwhelmed by the number of students, parents, and staff who wanted to meet me; everyone wanted to figure out what kind of person I was!
It was well into the first month when one of my music teachers approached me informally to let me know she was praying for me. That kind gesture began a new spiritual connection I so deeply needed. Little did I know how much I would come to benefit from her in the future. I would venture to say she had no idea the degree to which she discipled me both directly and indirectly. Let me explain.
As the year progressed, I noticed how she spoke to her students. Her words were laced with kindness and compliments. When holding students accountable (which we might say disciplining), she didn’t focus on their failures; instead, she reminded them of the goodness within. More importantly, her demeanor screamed authenticity. She truly cared.
My takeaway: As you go, look for the best in others. Find ways to help them grow (2 Corinthians 13:11, Ephesians 4:16).
This Christian educator also took her job very seriously. She had high standards for herself and her students. Everyone on staff knew when she took on a project (especially music-related) it would be done well. She was always on time for meetings and was faithful to complete every task she was given. She even volunteered to accept additional duties as time allowed.
My takeaway: As you go, pursue excellence. Do everything as if unto the Lord (Colossians 3:17, 23).
Both of these examples represent what I would call indirect discipleship. This precious teacher impacted my spiritual growth by simply displaying her relationship with Christ in the everyday activities of life. Like I said earlier, she was probably completely unaware. If her influence had stopped there, it would have been more than enough. However, God in His sovereignty knew I would need her direct discipleship during one of the most difficult times of my life. This experience isn’t easy to share, but it is necessary to grasp the extent of her effort to disciple me.
My husband and I suffered a miscarriage three months into my second pregnancy. I had no problems with my first pregnancy, so we had made the announcement earlier than we probably should have. My staff was excited for me and then devastated right along with me. This teacher, though, took it upon herself to come to my house – with her husband – to pray. I will never forget the time she took to make a personal connection with me. Her actions not only helped me cope but modeled for me what it meant to be a spiritual influence in someone else’s life.
It doesn’t stop there. I kind of wish it did. Unfortunately, within the next year, I suffered another miscarriage. This time no one but those close to me knew about it. It was an agonizing time in which I had to dig deep to trust God would help me through it. I didn’t blame Him; I just didn’t understand. I was physically and emotionally depleted. I needed direct discipleship.
I don’t believe it was a coincidence that a few weeks later, this particular teacher and I drove to a conference together. Since she had been praying for me, I felt comfortable sharing my struggles. During our conversation she said, “Jackie, I believe God will give you the desires of your heart. You will have another baby.” This one statement changed everything. I no longer fixated on the miscarriages but on my heart’s desire. I asked God to change the desire of my heart to align with His. Psalm 37:4 became my mantra.
“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Two years later our youngest daughter was born. This one teacher’s influence on me was personal. Her direct discipleship helped me grow spiritually and deepened my faith in the God who loves me. For this, I am eternally grateful.
My takeaway: As you go, seek out those who need to be encouraged in the faith, and then go (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Galatians 6:10).
As I step back and think more broadly about this example, I know it was no accident that this teacher and I were working in the same school. God knew long before I did what was in my future, and I strongly believe He strategically placed her there for me. That is how good He is. Through this experience God showed me something extremely important.
This special lady’s behavior wasn’t carefully crafted to impress others. Rather, it was an overflow of her relationship with Christ. She was trustworthy and sincere. It was natural and seamless for her to bring Jesus into every situation (e.g., classroom, meetings, interactions).
My takeaway: Discipleship, whether direct or indirect, is an overflow of the heart. (Colossians 2:7, 1 Thessalonians 3:12, Philippians 1:9).
All of us have opportunities for discipleship whether it seems obvious (direct) or not (indirect). Sometimes we let our insecurity regarding our own spiritual maturity get in the way, but Jesus never said we had to have it all figured out because He does!
I’m sure you are familiar with His final words recorded in Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 28:18-20).
“I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (emphasis mine)
Our first command is clear – GO. To go is to trust everything God has blessed us with (e.g., time, talents, experiences) as useful tools when placed under His authority. As we go there are no coincidences but only divine interruptions to be part of someone else’s spiritual journey.
As you go this week, make Jesus visible. Be on the lookout for God’s invitation to be part of His work in another person’s life. Someone out there needs you!
BONUS: This may sound crazy but God blatantly sent a divine invitation to me this week! I had already began writing this blog when a local teacher sent me a message over Facebook. She asked if she could meet with me for some advice. Coincidence? I don’t think so. Isn’t God amazing?
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