5.7.25 ~ 40 days after His resurrection (Pt. 13)

Good morning!

We are on day 25, the fourth week and fourth day of counting the omer. We are exactly halfway to Pentecost, which brings up a great follow up question from the end of yesterday‘s study on the great commission (Matt. 28:18-20).

Part of Yeshua‘s commission was to go into all the world and make disciples. But it’s impossible to make something that you’re not. The seed always reproduces after its own kind (Gen. 1:11,12; Lk. 8:11). Have you ever taken the four question disciple test?

1. Do all men know that you are His disciple by your love (Jn. 13:35)?
2. Are you diligent in the study of God's Word (Jn. 8:31)?
3. Is your life producing abundant fruit that lasts (Jn. 15:8)?
4. Is God's law sealed in your life (Isa. 8:16)?

Now that we’ve discovered your status as a disciple, or one who really wants to be, let me ask you another question: "Have you ever tried teaching somebody how to do something and it just didn’t stick"? Me too! You've explained it clearly, you were patient, you answered questions, but they still couldn’t get it right. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt :-). Oddly enough, the problem is not them. The problem isn’t you. The problem is the method we tried to 'disciple' them.

Statistically speaking, 87% of traditional training is forgotten within 30 days. But wait, it gets worse, only 12% of people actually apply what they learned during their discipleship training. It’s mind blowing right? But here’s where it gets interesting: there's a godly method so powerful, so full proof that it works for every area of life. And I mean every area Whether you're teaching complex technical skills, leadership capabilities, sales techniques, bible study, prayer, witnessing, customer service, parenting, etc...and since we’re talking about discipleship today, and intimacy during these 50 days of counting the omer, wouldn't it be more rewarding to use a method of discipling that is 100% successful?

You can use this to teach, to delegate, to train up anybody on anything. It’s a very simple method. Are you ready :-)?

Step one: You've got to tell them. This is where most of us start and stop.  Big mistake. Telling somebody how to do something is like trying to teach underwater basket weaving  through a PowerPoint presentation. Sure, they might understand the concept, but then throw them in the pool with that wicker material...splash and disaster.

Step two: Show them how to do it. This is where success begins. Many of us can remember either learning to ride a bike or teaching someone to do it. We were shown how to get on, how to peddle, how to balance and the joy of the wind whipping through our hair :-). We love to watch things done. That's how the brain is wired; We have special neurons called 'mirror neurons' that light up when we watch others perform actions. No wonder our kids (physically and spiritually) do as we do and not as we say.  We are mimicking machines. The best way to teach somebody to do it is to do it while they watch; to demonstrate it in their witness they'll begin to mimic your success. When we do both tell and show, they learn 312% faster than those who only listen and read.

Step three: Now it's time for them to try it. This is the crucial point. Here’s where most leaders, teachers, and parents get it wrong. They hover, they interrupt, they over direct, they prevent mistakes. Big mistake! Because the 'magic' happens in the struggle. It happens in failure. It happens in figuring it out. Think about learning to ride a bike. The worst thing you can do is to try to prevent every fall. Instead, you create a safe space to fail. You let them wobble, you let them struggle, you let them even fall because that is what they learn what doesn’t work, before they discover what does. It's only after they hit a wall, only after they’ve experienced the failure, only after they feel pain...then you step in with guidance. Cause here’s the truth, when you are not there, they’ll need to know how to work through problems. That's why we need to give guidance to help them learn how to work through potential problems.

The final step: Give them wings to fly solo. But here’s the key: you don’t just abandon them. You create a feedback loop, regular check-in, quick refreshers, progressive challenges. Remember, we are creating disciples for every facet of life. Think about how special forces (physically and spiritually) are trained; they don’t just learn once and then deploy. They practice, refresh, advance, repeat. Let me give you a real example that I learned as a boy and successfully employ every day: making my bed. I may not get much done during the day, but I'll always get one thing done after I get up...making my bed :-)

It began with mom telling me, step by step. First, we pull the sheets tight, then we tuck in the corners. Then she makes the bed while I watch, pointing out each detail, demonstrating the military technique. Then, with joy, she tells me to jump on the bed, mess it up, and now it's your turn to try. I followed the guided instruction and demonstration and successfully made my bed...with a few gentle corrections :-). Then she said, "I'll let you do it in the morning all by yourself"...You're such a big boy!  With a periodic check in and praise, there was improvement. The result: Beds are made. Kids are happy, parents are proud.

Or in leadership, making disciples, telling, sharing the principles. Explain the expectations. Define success.  Model it. Demonstrate it. Let them try by shadowing key meetings, have them code lead projects, practice with feedback and then allow them to do it on their own...handover full responsibility with scheduled check-in and decreasing oversight overtime.

Maybe this explains our limited success in the spiritual realm. Ironically, every good coach, every good business trains this way. Why don't we do it spiritually? Hence, instead of everyone living in resurrection power, there are a few self-disciplined, overcoming few that become the exception; rather than the exception being the standard.

Before we finish this morning, here’s the million dollar secret: It's not the steps. It’s the progression; too fast and people get overwhelmed. Too slow and people get bored. You need to read the signs, adjust the pace, and meet them where they are.

Sadly, there are too few disciples in word and deed (1 Jn. 3:18), but the number is growing. Look back over the four questions again and ask the Lord to work that process in your life or deepen it if you already are doing it. Then, let me challenge you: Go and make disciples, baptize, teach them to obey and know that He is with you, even to the end of the age...Rak Chazak Amats.

Shalom!