Multiplication

by | Devotionals

MULTIPLICATION

“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV

STRONG IN GRACE TO SERVE OTHERS

Lord, the message I am hearing this morning is that we are under your grace. None of us have perfect lives, and we all fall short of your glory. I am hearing that there is value in looking inward, and trying to lead a perfect life as a Christ-follower, but NOT to the exclusion of our outward focus to multiply ourselves through discipleship. If we wait until we are perfect, then multiplication will never happen. The Apostle Paul was not perfect. He had flaws in his character. But that did not stop him from building into the next generation. He set an example for us to boldly build into the next generation. That is what you mean when you tell us to be STRONG IN CHRIST’S GRACE. Yes?

My child: “10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV

So, what I am hearing is that we should:

  1. Be less introspective; a certain degree is healthy; overly introspective and self-critical keeps us from serving others.
  2. Lean on Christ and the work you did on the cross; we are forgiven; we have your clear direction: administer your grace to others.
  3. We need to multiply ourselves by discipling, mentoring, and coaching others.

My child, too many of my children hesitate to develop others because they feel they need to have a perfect walk with me, in order to have credibility to grow others in the faith. That is not true. Do not hesitate to build into others. You have my grace to do so.

And Lord, we do this from a place of weakness, not in our own strength. We do this in your strength, with your grace, correct?

Yes, my child. I can use you better in a humble, broken state than I can use those who have spiritual pride. Those that have attained spiritual superiority are not those I choose to use. They are successful in administering my Gospel despite their pride and arrogance, because of my grace. But I much prefer humility and brokenness. Reflect on the Apostle Paul’s words: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:2 NIV

ROLE MODEL BEHAVIOR

Lord, the Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to:

  1. Listen to him and his words, and to watch how he lived his life.
  2. Find qualified, reliable people to develop, mentor, disciple, and coach.
  3. Help them to teach others so that there is a multiplication effect.
  4. Is that right?

Child, this is the way I have chosen to spread the message of salvation and sanctification. Life your life in such a way as to multiply yourself. Build into the next generation of Christ-followers. Use my grace, my strength, and my provision for you. Do not hesitate. Do not wait. You do not need to have a perfect walk with me to be effective. Share openly with others your struggles. Allow them to watch you work through life’s challenges, leaning on me for all wisdom, strength, and direction.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING THOSE TO DISCIPLE

Lord God, Christ Jesus, show me what the selection criteria is for those that I would disciple.

Child, they should be:

  1. Sincere followers of my Way; followers of Christ.
  2. Desire to grow spiritually; wanting a more intimate relationship with me.
  3. Willing to be developed, mentored, discipled, and coached; coachable by you.
  4. Pray for those that I will put into your life, that they may seek you out.

Do I have to wait until others ask me, or can I suggest relationships?

WE CAN APPROACH OTHERS BECAUSE OF GOD’S GRACE

Follow my Holy Spirit’s promptings. If your heart is right with me, you will desire to have these types of relationships. Yes, you can and should approach others that you are led to help grow closer to me.

Father God, please put people in my life to do this with, that you wish me to help. Help me to know who to approach, how to approach them, and also have them approach me.

Child, the first thing that is needed from you or anyone who wants to multiply themselves is a willingness to invest time in these relationships. It takes time, and if you fill up your time with activities that are pursuits of your own pleasure or happiness, you will not have time to build into others with what I am giving you.

DISCIPLESHIP IS AN INVESTMENT OF TIME AND ENERGY

Lord, help me not to be selfish and self-centered. Help me to get out of myself and my little world, and make myself more available to others. To echo the scripture you gave me today: 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:11 NIV. Lord, may I speak your words, only. May I use your strength, only. May I give you all the credit, always. May I point everyone to you as the source of all wisdom, only. And, may my schedule and time be subject to you, only.

Child, as you fully surrender your time and talents to me, I will use you to multiply myself.

Thank you Lord for using me in the life of others. I surrender my calendar to you today. Please put those in my life that I can serve, with your love, through your grace. Amen.

Your aspiring servant,
Daniel M.
26 April 2023

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