Accepting Discipleship

 

Chapter 8 Prior Chapter

 

In Christ’s day “a talent” was "a unit of measurement of something valuable, such as gold or silver.” In Christ’s Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30,) most editions of the bible use this term “talent” as a "varying amount of a valuable God given ability” on loan from our master, Jesus Christ. It is to be invested to grow his flock.

 

Have you ever known a Christian with five talents? One of those who can counsel someone involving a struggle, refer to the perfect scripture, and conclude, God is the answer. They then commonly ask, “will you pray with me?” The person who had been struggling may then walk away with a direction in life.

 

How is this degree of ability gained? They likely began with the same fears and feelings of inadequacy as the single talent servant felt within “The Parable of the Talents.” The difference in the outcome is derived through obedience and how we pray to our Master. God loves us! For those who He calls, each are given talent(s) according to his or her ability. Jesus Christ wants us to succeed and in John 15:7, instructs us to “Ask” for the things needed to fulfill this role.

 

A woman dying of cancer asked her family to have one last reunion. While gathered, she asked the question, “how can I be confident that I am going to heaven?” In a room full of Christians that had attended church for decades, only one replied. The response was “to have lived a good life.” One of the nephews returned home and for days questioned that response. Yet, his heart remained blind to the correct answer.

 

After about a week, the nephew finally cried out to God in prayer, “How can I let my aunt know about your salvation?”  Immediately, the memory involving the prayer of “re-birth” that the nephew prayed a decade or two earlier, came flowing back into his mind. By “asking” (John 15:7) in the context of seeking Christ’s direction within discipleship, the nephew received his first talent. The aunt later expressed appreciation in having received a letter from the nephew that included that prayer of being “born of the spirit.” The message in this prayer includes asking God for “a heart of submission to His Will.”

 

As in the Parable of the Talents, (Matthew 25:14-30) when the inexperienced receive the responsibility of that first or second talent, it can be scary. If we depend upon ourselves, we will fail. Fear can then promote the talent to be buried in the back of our mind and ignored until our day of judgment. Or, as in John 15:5, we can learn through prayer to align our direction to that of Jesus Christ in looking to the Father.

 

Discipleship is as much of a journey in prayer as it is in physical and spiritual outreach. God is the architect (the designer) of his plan. He offers us the opportunity to play a role. As with Peter, participating in this can bring our life to achieve something that is “of value into eternity.” We are to “Ask” what this role is, how to perform it, and for God to extend his grace to the recipient of this outreach.

Sometimes discipleship may begin by befriending someone who is struggling. A friendship started, not for our own benefit, but for their benefit. Matthew 25:35-40 speaks of examples of types of general service that can place us in a position for discipleship. These positions can be opportunities for our own growth as well as the recipient receiving an earthly benefit.

 

 

As we grow in the ability to “abide in Christ” and be guided by the Holy Spirit through prayer to the Father (John 15:5); our participation in general service may place us in a position to respond to specific opportunities that God presents to us. He is the One who knows with whom, how, and when a heart may be open to change.

 

Growing in the skills of discipleship allow us to be one of his children who are in a position to respond when called upon to intervene within a special moment of grace.

 

 

Conclusion:  Spiritual Maturity