BONDS THAT FREE US
We live in a generation desperate to shake off chains. Seeking to keep options open. Seeking to please ‘number one’, unencumbered by the responsibilities imposed on us by others. We want to live life on our terms. We want to be free.
The result?
Bondage.
In trying to ‘live free’ we are actually tied up.
A life without boundaries is a ruin.
The apostle Paul described himself as “a devoted slave on assignment” (Rom 1: 1-2). The truth is, some bonds actually set us free.
There are some relationships, some commitments, that actually set us up for freedom far exceeding the deceptive freedoms of independence.
Committing to certain relationships through discipleship is counter-cultural, and yet it was Jesus’ chosen method of ministry. He chose twelve disciples. Not friends, not brothers, but disciples. He poured into them for three years. He invested, they learned.
Discipleship is different to any other relationship because of its intentionality.
It is the making of a person.
The agenda is cultivation and growth. It is a relationship that is entered into by choice, with a mutual understanding – one is going to invest, the other is going to learn and grow.
The discipler inconveniences himself or herself by becoming available and through immense investment. The disciple takes on the submissive qualities of teachability and accountability. Now tell me four more counter-cultural notions than availability, cost, teachability and accountability.
Fitting that Jesus would choose a method that flies in the face of culture.
Fitting also that His method should be the most effective way to draw exceptional, world-changing potential out of ordinary people.
I personally committed to my life to discipleship with a group of twelve and thirteen year old girls, who I have journeyed with for the past fourteen years. Many of them are now married, some mothers, some in ministry, others in the corporate world and we’re now scattered across cities.
They are the reason I am still doing what I do.
There are days when I question my own sanity – days when I wonder if I might just be crazy. When hurt comes and I question whether it’s all worth it, I remember them – those precious girls who are soaring today and I am again inspired to pay the cost.
Yes! It’s worth it.
And so let me tell you what discipleship will build in your life, from the story of Ruth and Naomi in the Old Testament.
Naomi and her two daughters-in-law were widowed. Naomi’s husband passed away followed by both sons. These three women were left without means in a culture that was cruel to women in these conditions. Naomi had absolutely no prospects to offer her two daughters-in-law. She urged them to return home to their families as a hope that they might find some kind of support. She was willing to face her unfortunate future, but could not fathom bringing two young women into the grave with her. “Go back,” she urged them.
One, Orpah, took Naomi’s advice and turned home. The other, Ruth, refused.
“But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.” Ruth 1:16-18
1. Discipleship will test and develop your commitment.
Ruth had a conviction to do what was right beyond convenience, opportunity or comfort. She was compelled by a set of morals that trumped her fears and reservations.
THERE’S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR CHARACTER IF OPPORTUNITY DETERMINES YOUR LOYALTY.
Sometimes you’ve just got to do what’s right even when it makes no sense at all.
The seeds of choice bear fruit in the future.
So the two widows returned to Naomi’s homeland in search any remaining slim prospects for redemption. Upon arrival Ruth asked permission from her mother-in-law to do the most debased of tasks to help them survive. She was willing to glean leftover grain in freshly harvested fields in an effort to gather a little food for the two of them.
She found herself gleaning in the field belonging to a man named Boaz, who noticed her work ethic and made provisions for her as she toiled. When Naomi heard about glimmer of favour Ruth had found with Boaz she said to her daughter-in-law, “It will be good for you, my daughter, to go with the women who work for him, because in someone else’s field you might be harmed.” Ruth 22: 2
2. Discipleship establishes your connections.
On countless occasions I have told the young girls around me, “Stay close. Don’t stray. You are safe growing here. Stay close.”
As it turned out Boaz, was a relative of Naomi’s and was faithful to extend grace to them both. Ruth’s diligence coupled with Naomi’s heritage opened doors that Ruth would never have walked through alone.
Through healthy discipleship, favoured connections are made, doors are opened and it all takes place under protection and covering.
3. Discipleship cultivates exceptional character in people.
“[Boaz said] And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.” Ruth 3: 11
Did you realize that your character enters a room before you do?
A person’s character precedes them.
By very nature, the discipleship relationship is drawing greatness out of the disciple. They are being challenged to disallow the voices of inadequacy and insecurity. They are being encouraged to step out and do the daring thing. They are being stretched to be more than they believe they can be.
In responding to those types of challenges, the disciple stands out from the rest.
GREATNESS DOES WHAT AVERAGE AVOIDS
A good discipler will always call greatness out of their disciple.
4. Discipleship cultivates your capacity.
Ruth and Boaz were eventually married and had a son. That son they named Obed became the father of Jesse, who was the father of David, who was the lineage of Jesus Christ (Ruth 4: 17).
Understand this,
the miracle is not Ruth’s conception; the miracle was what the child ushered in.
She could have gone back to her homeland, possibly remarried and conceived another son, but he would not have brought salvation to the world. Her commitment to an old widow through discipleship saw her usher in a new day for you and me.
Allowing ourselves to be cultivated in healthy discipleship relationships increases the quality and type of capacity we carry.
It alters the impact our fruit can have in this generation and beyond.
A good discipler will always point towards a flourishing, intimate and personal relationship with God. They will not build you to themselves. That person will always deflect your attention to God and encourage you to conceive the plans of Heaven through your unique and God-ordained potential.
Some bonds truly set us free.
They can at times feel restrictive and inconvenient.
And so the choice is always ours.
To lean in or not. To say Yes or No.
I encourage you to make some resolves today about what your responses will be in times of inconvenience, trial, hardship and even loss. Pray for Holy Spirit to help you write down some non-negotiables to keep you on course.
Chose a Naomi. She may be one you follow at a distance or up close, and either case is ok.
Also invest into a Ruth. She will become your most precious joy.
