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Key Bible Verse: Now go and give this message to his disciples, including Peter (Mark 16:7). Bonus Reading:John 21:15–17

One Monday morning a young fellow lawyer marched into my office and began barking at me for putting tasks ahead of people, and for not offering him any support. I was about to put this guy in his place when the Spirit suggested that his ranting meant he was in trouble and needed to discuss things.

Over coffee at a restaurant, I learned that he never felt accepted by his father. I had to admit that in some ways I was treating him like his father had. The problem had grown in his mind into World War III.

So I suggested we start a discipling relationship. Over the next two years, we discussed the abandonment by his father and his feelings of inadequacy about fathering his own children. It became clear this man didn't know who he was in Christ, had no confidence in his abilities, and didn't feel part of the greater Christian community. As we worked through these topics, he began to grow and change. His relationship with his heavenly Father straightened out; this man has gone on to impact many with the gospel.

Find out what the men around you need, then try to meet that need with the sufficiency of Scripture.

—Phil Downer in Eternal Impact

My Response: Rather than avoid _____, I'll foster change in him through God's Word.

Thought to Apply: Significance is making a difference in the lives of people over time.

—Phil Downer (Discipleship Network of America president)

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.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me to make my life count by becoming a disciple-maker in Your kingdom.

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