Discipleship; The Others Stage

From Are You A Cultural Christian Or A Follower Of Jesus by Herbert Cooper

Every stage of your walk with the Lord is part of the growing process. No matter where you find yourself as you’ve been reading over the last several days, don’t be discouraged! Take one practical next step to continue to grow! Today, we are talking about the third stage of discipleship—the others stage.

In this stage, the Christian knows a lot about the Word of God and they’re applying it to their life. In many areas of their life, they’re honoring God’s Word. Their mind has been renewed by God’s Word and continues to be renewed. They live their life differently than the world.

At this stage, they become others-focused. It’s no longer just about them and Jesus. They’ve matured and have become like Jesus and now they’re focused on making a difference in the lives of others. They want to help and serve others.

Ephesians 4:12 says we need to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, (ESV)

Here’s what we learn from that verse:

1. Mature Christians get connected to other Christians. Isolated believers stay stuck in the salvation or milk stage. But mature Christians understand they need to be connected to other Christians so the body of Christ can grow.
2. Mature Christians get equipped for ministry. You can’t continue to grow as a Christian and stay self-focused. Maturing Christians become others-focused.
3. Mature Christians serve others so the body of Christ can grow. God calls every Christian to do ministry. Everyone has a ministry inside and outside of the church. Mature Christians move out of the me-focused stage to the serving others stage. They want to build up the body of Christ and see lives changed.

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. – 1 Peter 4:10

Ask God to help you move from being self-focused to others-focused as you become a true disciple of Jesus. If you haven’t done so yet, I want to encourage you to find a ministry to serve in at your local church. Take your first step and become others focused and start making a difference in the lives of others.