Teaching A Disciple New Tricks

This past week our washing machine washed it’s final load… All would agree our front-loader had a full and productive run, servicing nine people in our household over the last twelve years! Yet, it was now time to purchase another washer. Therefore, after considerable research and multiple conversations with friends and family we decided not to go back to a more expensive front-loading machine. Instead we bought a top-loading washer with most of the new technology and conservation features, but for half the price. We are really happy with the change we made and the machine we chose!

However, even with all the loads we wash in any given day, I am still getting used to a new routine with our washer! I struggle with remembering to put the laundry detergent in the bottom of the tub first before the clothes – which is opposite of what I did for the past twelve years… We are such creatures of habit. Once we set our routine and get in a groove it is hard to change our pattern.

As I have talked about the different parts of discipleship over the past weeks I have received great feedback about the value of this discipleship series. However, at the same time I sense that some folks feel overwhelmed because there are many areas of their relationship with God and life as a disciple that they feel they need to focus on and improve. The temptation is to not apply themselves to any one direction of growth as a disciple, because there are just too many directions to choose from! Couple this with our human tendency to stay in our comfortable patterns at the expense of positive change, and we have a recipe for having our ears tickled but going nowhere…

Following are a couple strategies I strongly encourage you to use as a growing disciple, as I emphatically encourage myself to do as well… First, with the help of family, Christian friends, and the Holy Spirit determine in your heart one to three points, aspects or skills that have been mentioned in the Discipleship series that you will work to grow in over the next month. Write down on paper the 1-3 goals. Then submit these goals to the Lord in prayer and commit to following His Spirit in growing in them. Second, take these 1-3 points, aspect or skills and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE them at least 5 days a week over the month. Repetition in memorizing, meditating, and applying in partnership with the Holy Spirit will cause your understanding and skill to grow – and you and your routines will change for the better.

Old habits like our old nature often die hard. Nevertheless, they are no match to the power of the Holy Spirit and the freeing truth of God and His word! Clarify and accept where you need to grow then let the repetition of practice, practice, practice reform your routine, mind and experience as a disciple. I wonder how many loads of wash I will need to do before my mind is renewed and my behavioral habit is changed…?

Lord bless,

Pastor Kelley