How will my life impact the future? How will yours? No matter how great or small it might be, our lives will impact the future. This past week I met Francis. His story reminded me of the impact one life, even one moment in time can have on future generations.
The meeting was set up by Joseph, a former student of mine. Joseph had shared with me about his pastor friend who wanted to plant a church near where we currently live and he thought I should meet him.
The three of us met in a small local restaurant. Chai (tea with milk) was brought and as we shared our first cup introductions were made. Although I was eager to talk about the possibility of participating in a church plant in some way, I was fascinated by Francis’ story.
It was not some miraculous conversion testimony. In fact, as he shared his story it might even be considered mundane by some. A missionary shared the gospel with him. He believed and repented. Then the missionary met with him regularly and discipled him so that Francis would grow in his knowledge of the gospel.
Nothing spectacular on the surface. There was no anointing with oil or demons getting cast out, or a large crusade, or anything of the sort. A missionary was sent by his church and he met a lost man. He shared the gospel and Francis repented and believed. Except, that is what makes it so spectacular.
Now what makes this impactful to me is that I know the missionary who led Francis to Christ. He took the time to interact with a lost man. And look what God did. Francis is now a pastor, a church planter, and he works for an NGO.
By simply taking time to share the gospel and then weekly discipling Francis, hundreds (maybe more) of people have been impacted with the gospel. The retired missionary knows very few if any of the people his obedience has impacted. Taking the time to make disciples is an investment, but one with great reward for many people.
Thinking on this the last few days has led to a few questions.
- Do I sow the gospel of Jesus generously? Or am I stingy with the gospel?
- Am I making the most of every opportunity? Do I share the gospel as I have chances?
- Do I make disciples of Jesus, or just converts? There is a difference. Disciples make other disciples. As 2 Timothy 2:2 makes clear we should look to teach people who will also teach others. A disciple actively makes other disciples. A convert does not. A convert may go to church and be a good church member, but they are not necessarily actively making other disciples.
- Am I modeling what a disciple does? Francis shared that it became natural for him to share the gospel and teach others. Why? Because that is what his mentor showed and modeled for him. People will do what we do more so than what we say.
- What future impact will my present life have? It will have an impact, but how large or small depends on my actions today. I want to leave a gospel legacy like this former missionary left. A disciple who is about the work of making other disciples.
My desire is to leave a legacy of discipleship just as this former missionary has left a legacy of discipleship. To do so I must be intentional and generous with the gospel, not stingy.
What legacy are you leaving? Are you leaving a discipleship legacy?