Discipleship: Learning How To Lift One Another Up

​As the eleven disciples gazed intently on Jesus’ face, He captured their hearts with every word: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt. 28:19-20).

In awe, the disciples allowed themselves to bask in the mystery of what was just spoken. For those who believed, the Word exhorted them to joyfully submit in obedience through the faith already given to them. For those who doubted, the Word exhorted them to believe in what they had already witnessed. After this, Jesus was lifted up into heaven. 

But wait. Did Jesus not say “I am with you always”? How can He be with us if He just left? 

Because God is faithful to fulfill everything He says, Jesus also promised to send the “Helper,” God’s Spirit, to live in those who believe in Him as Lord and Savior. For those who have the Holy Spirit breathing inside of them, they have Jesus with them always. 

This is a miracle and a mystery. God is using us, His children, to train up one another in righteousness, grace, truth, and love. Wow! How amazing! Through dance, we are doing just this: Training up the next generation to proclaim the Gospel. 

How is this done? Most of the work happens inside the classroom. 

As choreography is taught, each dancer has the opportunity to help each other with the movement. If one dancer struggles to keep up, another helps them out. The dancer who understands the movement does not seize the opportunity to look good infront of the teacher or feel good about themselves, but rather uses their gift of knowledge and skill to esteem the other. This speaks a clear message: Discipleship is about encouraging and lovingly instructing one another as brothers and sisters walking the same path...or in this case, dancing the same dance. 
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Loving others is loving Jesus. Invite God to help you love those around you today! 

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