Making DisciplesSample

One of Jesus' discipleship secrets was that he tested His disciples...frequently.

Testing is an important aspect of growing to maturity. When a sports coach is uncertain about a player, he tests them against certain opposition or in a different position. Have you been through some tests lately? Isaiah 48:10 says: "Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction." NKJV. I have never seen students get excited about doing tests at school. It’s always tough, but it prepares them for the tests they will face in life.

When an army officer wants to know which troops to trust, he puts them through their paces, testing their mettle. In Judges 7:4-7, Gideon was instructed by God to test the soldiers before they went into battle. He had to select the valiant by taking them to the river to drink water. The way they drank water revealed something about their character. He didn’t test them by how long they prayed or how beautifully they sang. Drinking water as a means of testing seemed strange. But God wanted to show their sense of commitment. Many soldiers were turned away. People are often skilled and gifted, but character is lacking. A true disciple is not measured by skill or gifting, but by their character. Character is what you are when no one is looking.

Here are a few tips on what to test:

- Servanthood. In Mark 10:43, Jesus says: "...but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant." NKJV. Are they willing to serve? Ask people to serve in various capacities. Sometimes give them simple tasks. See how they handle it. If they are faithful, you can give them more tasks or duties.

Luke 16:10-13 shows us 3 aspects of faithfulness to be tested in people:

- small things: allow people's hearts to be revealed in insignificant tasks

- finances: Can a disciple steward money properly? How is his relationship with money? Is it orderly or chaotic? Does he understand the principle of giving of his substance to God and to others?

-Others' possessions: how do they treat things that don't belong to them? You can see a person's heart by how they drive a hired car.

It is also important to teach new believers (and older ones) about the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Conviction happens through the conscience. Discipling people to have a soft (contrite) heart towards God allows their conscience to be attentive to God. This enables one to grow in their relationship with the Lord.