Reproduction

​My dad loves to teach the men he is discipling the five steps in training a man (applicable to men and women): 
1.      Tell them why they should follow Christ—Matthew 4:19.
2.      Show them how to follow Christ—John 14:21.
3.      Get them started in following Christ—Luke 9:23.
4.      Keep them going as it relates to following Christ—John 15:4.
5.     See that they pass it on . . . reproduce what they have learned—Mark 6:7,12.
Let’s focus on the fifth step establishing that training effectively occurred. ​

Meditation
2 Peter 1:12-15--Therefore I will always remind you about these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you have. I consider it right, as long as I am in this bodily tent, to wake you up with a reminder, knowing that I will soon lay aside my tent, as our Lord Jesus Christ has also shown me.  And I will also make every effort that you may be able to recall these things at any time after my departure.
 
Peter’s theme in chapter one of his second letter is living a godly (divine life) through God’s power and promises. Peter’s goal was to ensure that the believers he taught remembered what he imparted to them after he was gone.  
The proof of reproduction is when those you have poured into can effectively apply what they learned.  This is evidence of outstanding leadership. We see it in a mom who teaches her children how to sew until they can effectively make clothing.  We observe it in a farmer who trains an apprentice on how to raise and care for animals and successfully plant and harvest crops.  

Spiritual reproduction occurs when someone knows and follows Christ and can help others do the same. “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). It is not just teachers or pastors responsible for reproducing followers of Christ; every disciple serious about the Lord should be involved in this process (Mat. 28:19,20). 
​
The world will never be reached for Jesus by spectators. Nowhere does the Bible call us to go out and raise bystanders.  But if we will seriously invest in one, two, four, eight . . . we can depart and know we have made a difference in the lives we have intentionally taught to be like Jesus and pass it on.  
  
Inspiration
We teach what we believe, but we reproduce what we are.—Unknown
 
©12022 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to the inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)