“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” ~ 1 Corinthians 9:34-27

Psalm 26:2 “Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my hart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth.”

As a disciple of Jesus working in government, people have often said to me. “You need to read Daniel, there is so much good stuff in there for you.”  I would read it from time to time and catch little things, but I really did not get the utility of it until my Pastor put it a little clearer to me.

Discipleship is a whole life journey, not an 8-week class. It’s about developing the fruit of the Spirit and spiritual gifts and looking more like Christ, not about checking off a set of boxes. It’s a process of becoming, not a destination. There is no way to short-circuit discipleship. It’s about turning every moment of every day into an encounter with God.

Not since the 1970’s, when I was a teenager committed to following Jesus, have I heard so many speaking so broadly about the biblical mandate of “making disciples”. Leaders throughout the Body of Christ and entire denominations are talking about it. Publishing houses are recognizing the need and gatherings are emerging with this emphasis. This is not a new fad or “the next great thing to do” but rather a core component of our journey as Jesus followers that has desperately been missing and needs to be rediscovered and revived!