126 14 Habits of Highly Effective Disciples
Focusing on the Meaning
Highly effective disciples know they cannot ignore, abuse, or waste
what they have been given from the Lord. To do so is rebellion. Though
there is often a temptation toward passivity, God rewards faithfulness.
Stewardship involves a biblical consideration of monetary valuation and
expenditures, but even more it is a trustworthy willingness to work hard
with whatever resources the Lord has given us in order to advance his
kingdom. This could mean learning to be more intentional in the use of
our business acumen, education capabilities, carpentry or nursing skills,
hospitality, artistic abilities, or other unique vocational proficiencies in
order to join Christ in lives of service in the midst of communities in
need.
Disciples are able to do so when (as Deuteronomy challenges) they
live ordered lives of worship, regularly remembering the blessings and
provision of the Lord. There is not an inherent problem with the accu-
mulation of resources except when it leads to trusting personal strength
and forgetting how the Lord blesses with the capabilities underlying any
success. Disciples should view all of their material possessions not as
items they own, but as resources to be managed on behalf of the Lord’s
mission. Christians are called to be facilitators rather than owners.
Matthew 25 indicates this is the very anticipation of Jesus. All of his
servants have been gifted and called to publicly identify with him and
faithfully work towards enriching his kingdom. Unfortunately there will
be some who will make excuses and try to live as private disciples, but
in the end they will be condemned. The followers who are praised and
given even more responsibility will be those who recognize they carry
a trust given by the Lord himself. Highly effective disciples therefore
develop the discipline of stewardship based upon submission, worship,
hard work, faithfulness, and public identification with Jesus and the
advancement of his kingdom.