Numbers 27:18
“So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him”
Joshua had followed Moses around for a while. He was an eager learner, while Moses was good at building a leader who could help him, but also take his place. This is discipling others; training leaders.
Paul describes discipleship relationships in 2 Timothy 2:2, “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Paul is describing four generations of people in this verse. Paul is the original, Timothy comes next. Paul charges him to pass it on to faithful men (the third generation). Who will pass it on to others (fourth generation).
Paul is telling Timothy to be selective in whom he invests time. It should be those who would grow by the message and in turn pass it on to others. People come across our paths. We are to invest in those that are thirsty to grow. Investing in those that aren’t interested is a waste of time and a belittling of the gospel.
Jesus told his disciples not to share the good news with a bad audience. In Matthew 7:6, He says, “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” The Lord is trying to reach everyone, but that doesn’t mean all are ready to hear it.
How do we determine if someone is ready to hear it? Toss out bread crumbs. Speak a small fact. We may answer their question about our weekend by saying we heard a cool message in church. They may inquire further or they may drop it. Don’t pursue it if they drop it. If they show interest, give them enough to satisfy their question, but don’t overwhelm them.
We will develop the sense of how much is enough. Our cat greets me when I open the door in the morning. I used to fill his bowl. But his stomach can’t handle that and he gets sick. I’ve learned to sprinkle the bottom of his bowl with food. After an hour or so, I’ll give him more. His stomach had to be primed first. So, also people receive truth at different rates. We may plant a seed and never see it bloom. Yet it does. With others, they come back for more.
This is the proces of investing in others. We have an array of people in our lives. As we walk with Christ we influence all of them. Sometimes it’s a witness of how we undergo difficulties with a trusting attitude. Other times we pray for those going through hard times.
How long to we invest in others? As long as they keep coming back. Our influence is someone’s life may be a single cheerful greeting. Other times it may be a several year relationship. We will have all of those. Keep tossing out bread crumbs. If they don’t respond, stop. If they continue to feed, keep tossing it out.
Lord, thank You for the discipleship process. Thank You for the great people you have given to me by which I have grown. Thank You for those I have been able to help. Let this process continue in abundance.