“To be human is to be a disciple. God did not present Adam and Eve with a choice between discipleship and independence, but between following him and following Satan. We are all disciples; the only question is, of whom?”

~ Mark Dever – Book “Discipling: How to Help Others Follow Jesus”

Jesus says discipleship is about “teaching disciples to observe everything I have commanded you.” What has Jesus commanded us to do at work?

Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?”  He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the greatest and most important command.  

The second is like it: Love your [colleagues] neighbor as yourself.  All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.

 “Love initiates a discipling relationship at work.”

• Am I willing to start intentional time together with this person?
• Beyond starting the relationship, will I mention the hard conversation we need to have?
• Am I bold enough to consistently move our conversation to spiritual things?

“Love perseveres in a discipling relationship with our colleagues.”

• Am I ready to keep calling after months of seeing little fruit or progress?
• Will I give up if this person falls back into an old pattern of sin?
• How will I respond to the inconveniences in this relationship?

“Love humbly receives criticism that often comes in a discipling relationship.”

• How do I respond to criticism or opposition in general at work — with humility or pride?
• Specifically, what will I feel or say when this person pushes back on what I am teaching them?
• What healthy ways am I encouraging give-and-take in this relationship?

“Love humbly gives of itself in a discipling relationship.”

• What sacrifices am I making to spend time discipling this person?
• Do I tend to feel bitter or prideful about the sacrifices I make for others?
• Jesus says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Can I say the same?

“Love allows us to end discipling relationships.”

• We need a love that humbles us enough to recognize that what others need is not us, but God, and that God can use us for a while, and then use someone else.
• Do I think of myself as savior or as one instrument among many in the Savior’s hands?
• How do I think about my role in this person’s life — as essential and irreplaceable, or as complementary and temporary?
• Am I willing to help move this person on to other teachers when their needs or circumstances suggest it is time? To that end, it may be wise to establish a clear time frame up front (e.g., a month, a year, two years), so that neither person assumes the disciplining relationship is indefinite.