Sticking with Charlie
Theme of the Week: Someone to Shape
Phil Downer
Thursday, July 18, 2002
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Sticking with Charlie
Theme of the Week: Someone to Shape
Thursday, July 18
Key Bible Verse: We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy (1 Thessalonians 2:12). Bonus Reading:1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
Once you select a man to disciple, you've got to be willing to stay with him. Sometimes we expect men to be committed and loyal who've never seen those qualities modeled in their families, professions, or marriages.
When I began to disciple Charlie, he stood me up for lunch appointments and failed to return the briefcase he'd borrowed from me. But Charlie said he wanted to grow spiritually.
I called Charlie one day to invite him to go with me and spend the weekend with one of the premier experts in his field. But when Charlie answered the phone, he began apologizing for the last time he stood me up. I interrupted him with my invitation. "Sure, I'd love to go," he responded.
Charlie showed up at the appointed place at the right hour. We went together and had a great time. He expanded his connections and business acumen as we got time with the speaker. Most of all, Charlie learned I'd give him grace—and I again learned the importance of pursuing a guy who wanted to be, but wasn't yet, faithful. Charlie has become one of my trusted confidants, a loyal friend, and fellow soldier in reaching this world for Christ.
—Phil Downer in Eternal Impact
My Response: Realizing the time and emotional toll discipling someone takes, I …
Thought to Apply: Humility means … affirming others, empowering and enabling others.
—Cornel West
Adapted from: Eternal Impact (available from phildowner@dnaministries.org) by permission.
Copyright © 2002 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.
July/August 2002,Vol. 5,No. 4
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Lord, I want to help another man to seriously follow You. Please help me get started.
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