The world in general focuses on the external, on the visible, who we are as shown to others, our behaviour. The internal life focuses on the not so visible aspects, namely thoughts, faith and spiritual health.
I like to suggest that we focus on whose we are (not easily seen), that we are disciples of Christ and the importance of discipleship and discipling. In a BGST course I took in Dec 2024, our team presented the following:
Personal discipleship: – Connecting with God and others. – Deepening understanding of God through His Word. – Deepening connection with others through ministering and service.
Equipping, that is, corporate process of discipleship: in the family, with friends, with Christian teachers, in the local church.
In the Old Testament, Moses addressed the Israelite tribes and families. It was a large communal network of believers comprising different age-groups, living in a pagan culture. He exhorted the older members to disciple the younger ones at any and every time, place, and activity (Deut 6:7). What is the image that comes to mind? Yes, it is a kampong, village of different ages. The implication is that discipling takes place in a communal setting with youths, children, adults, and seniors.
Have we been discipled? Are we discipling others? Discipling is relational and not task oriented. It requires intentional connectedness and relationship building that takes place frequently and naturally.
Discipling is not only hard work but also ‘heart-work‘, involving motherly tender loving care and fatherly guidance and directing. It is like that of a nursing mother taking care of her own children (1 Thess 2:7). It is like that of a father exhorting, encouraging, and imploring (1 Thess 2:11-12).
The church is a special community, a community of disciples of Christ growing together towards fullness in Christ. Let us continue to be mindful that we are connected to each other in community, as disciples of Christ.
Dr Vivien Ler
