Tag Archives: imitation

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

The Master’s Voice

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A disciple seeks to be like the master, whom they imitate and then become something worthy of imitation. The process requires studying what is said and shown. My dog Aragon does this. When I leave the room, he waits and watches in earnest for my return. He stares intently when I’m with him, waiting for the next praise or instruction. So, he was easy to train. Listen. Watch and wait. Imitate. We should be like Aragon in our relationship with God. How? Always listen and watch, waiting on the movement of the Holy Spirit, biblical instructions, or admonishments from other Christ followers. Let’s examine the “listen, wait, imitate” rhythm from a biblical perspective.

The master’s voice. Read 1 Kings 19:4-18, and you’ll find a depressed Elijah on the run from Ahab. In verses 10 and 14, he cried to the Lord, “Am I the only one?” He didn’t respond through a great wind and earthquake. He didn’t answer through a fire. Instead, He replied gently, softly. In a small, still voice, the Lord God almighty whispered: “No! Seven thousand others are like you!” (1 Kings 19:11-18).

Aragon knows me. He knows my voice and responds accordingly. I speak, he listens. I go, he goes. He follows because he knows and trusts me. Similarly, Jesus knows those who belong to Him: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them . . .” (John 10:27-28). Besides listening, the obedient to God sometimes must wait patiently for a deed, a word.

Just wait! Aragon will wait patiently for hours for me. When he sees me, he’ll leap into action. The wait is worth it! The same holds for God’s children. The Psalmist wrote this: “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope” (Psalm 130:5, ESV). We often wait for a word of instruction, admonishment, or comfort from the Lord through His Spirit, scriptures, or other followers of Jesus.

Imitate and replicate! Training Aragon was easy. He listened, watched, and repeated what he saw. He even tries to make the sounds I make when we play. As imagers of God, we, too, are meant to imitate what we see and hear related to Him and repeat the words and behavior. The apostle Paul confirms it: “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you.” (1Corinthians 11:1-2).

Listen for the Master’s voice even if you must wait. Then, just like Aragon with me, imitate what you learn and become something worthy of imitation by others. What’s next?  Let’s reverse today’s upside-down church model with a church of house churches. While waiting, remember that God wants your loyalty, not your religion.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Get Dirty But Shake Off the Dust!

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I’m a discipleship guy. Why? Because, without it, there’s no transformation and the beautiful things to come. So, I’m all about change and spiritual growth—mine and yours. But what is basic discipleship, and how can we be fruitful as we do it?

First, discipleship is about imitation: presenting something worth imitating and mimicking what is seen and heard. Jesus taught, modeled what He taught, tested, corrected, and sent as He discipled. He gave disciples something good to imitate. Then, they did what Jesus did. Here’s an example as written by the apostle Paul nearly 2,000 years ago:

“You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” (Thessalonians 1:6)

Second, discipleship can be messy! It happens when we walk with someone in their rhythm of life, and our own discipleship and spiritual formation never end. The disciple-discipler relationship builds the trust needed to share struggles, woes, and joys. Importantly, authentic discipleship ensures that you witness a disciple’s behavior and are available to answer questions or provide correction. This is where it can get messy. But discipleship doesn’t happen without it.

Third, discipleship isn’t for everyone, and most of these relationships will fail. Why? Likely because of a lack of devotion to God or the discipleship process. So, what do you do if this happens as you disciple? Setting expectations about devotion to God and the discipleship relationship is critical. Then, hold the disciple accountable. But if they aren’t growing, showing up, studying, etc., then it may be time to ‘cut bait.’ Ditch the spiritual dead weight and move on! “But Ron, the disciple is my friend! Are you saying I must end the friendship?” Absolutely not! Keep that relationship but put your discipleship efforts elsewhere. Jesus had something to say about this in Mark 6:7-11.

To recap, discipleship is about your speech and modeling and others’ imitation of what they hear and see. So, be something worthy of imitation! And don’t get stuck in a dead discipleship relationship. There’s plenty of work for you, so move on! Next week? I’m thirsty, so let’s dive into Living Water.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley