Discipleship is a process that begins within us and moves to the outside of us as we learn obedience to Christ.

Proverbs 5:1-2

My child, give attention to my wisdom, Incline your ear to my understanding; That you may observe discretion And your lips may preserve knowledge.

There is no reason to consider being a witness for Christ unless we are in communion with Him routinely. We can tell others about a relationship with Christ, but they won’t believe us unless we are living in ours. In fact, hypocrisy (being intentionally two-faced) does more to damage Christianity than anything. It’s like taking hot water and cold water and mixing them. The result: tepid water. Here’s what Jesus said,

Revelation 3:15-16

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.

Historically, the water came into Laodicea from two different sources and had a sulphuric smell and taste. If our hypocrisy is like this water, then we stink!

When we live surrendered lives to the Lord, then we are ready to be witnesses for Him. Christ shines out from us. People who notice and are interested in learning about this difference will seek us out. Let’s be ready to give an account for the hope, joy, and peace we have, and the love we show to others. Christ WILL grow His church; how we participate with Him personally has everything to do with how He can use us in His mission.

We must ask ourselves every morning if we are interested in joining Christ in His mission to bring people into His kingdom. Let’s be diligent in surrendering to Him each day and living for His glory.

Abba, may I surrender to You every day. I know that I cannot live on yesterday’s grace. I am one step away from stumbling. Unless I depend on You every moment for everything, I Will Stumble. Thank You, Jesus, for keeping me in Your daily grace. Call me daily and then help me to follow You. Amen.