Do believers put any value on their spiritual children? Do you? One of the things we grieved the most after losing our house to a wildfire six years ago, was pictures. For most of us, pictures hold deep significance, because of the memories they have locked within them. No matter our age, from our 4 and 6-year-old grandchildren, to senior adults, we all like looking at pictures that help us remember people and good times in life.

One thing I’ve learned from our “fire years” is that, while pictures are special, it is the people we’ve invested deeply in spiritually over the years that are even better than pictures! Seeing the faithful and fruitful lives of people we’ve built spiritual foundations in is more amazing than looking back at pictures! I just celebrated my 60th birthday.

That day I received notes and texts from various friends in whom Pam and I had made a significant deposit spiritually. IT was life giving to hear of their continued faith and efforts to help others spiritually. I’ll share stories of people like these in some of the posts going forward. I write these blog posts to inspire and motivate us all to keep after our disciplemaking efforts.

Several years ago, The Navigators teamed up with Barna Group to research the State of Discipleship in the United States. The findings were sobering. It revealed that the vast majority of professing Christians need more help in living out of their faith: prayer, knowing and living the Scriptures, community with God and others, and sharing the Gospel.

I desire for my readers to be better than the statistics! The next couple months, I will tell stories and share scriptural principles to help you grow in your own discipleship and give you principles and tools to help others grow deep in Jesus.

The apostle Paul, speaking to some of his disciples at Thessalonica, tells of the joy he had in those he had helped spiritually,

For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy (1 Thessalonians 2:19,20).

What are your favorite personal pictures that remind you of how great life can be?

Are there one or two people in whom you’ve invested spiritually that are continuing in their faith with enthusiasm?  

What meaning do those friendships hold?