Who are you spending time with?

While watching TV I came across a show where a therapist was waiting for one of her client’s to show up. Frustrated by the tardiness of her client she made the comment that the gentleman “has no respect for her time.” Time is a major issue to leaders. If I were paid for every reference to time during a training session I would likely be a millionaire.

There is certainly no doubt to the importance of time. It is one commodity that can not be reproduced, saved, or purchased. Once it has come it passes away. As it has been said, “time waits for no man.” Since time is so priceless the questions of whom we spend it with? and what we do with it? should be our primary consideration. Mark 9:30-31 reads as follows:

“Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus tried to avoid all publicity in order to spend more time with his disciples and teach them.” (NLT)

When I came across this verse I was able to see clearly where ministry leaders should spend their time, discipleship. Many pastors today are chasing after “publicity.” I have heard talk of television shows, best-selling books, Music CD’s, and radio broadcast from pastors young and old. None of these things are inherently bad. However, when it becomes the focus of one’s ministry it can redirect focus from people to popularity.

I can recall hearing a popular televangelist tell the story of his ministry. He commented that he was laughed at for broadcasting his services on free public access television. He stated that it was his destiny to be on national television. His story culminated with “Baby, look at me now! I’m on TBN!” I couldn’t help but wonder what the focus of his ministry was. Was it people or publicity?

As in all things, we should follow the example of Christ. He purposely attempted to avoid publicity in order to impart his heart, teaching, and spirit in the disciples. If we are truly about ministering to people with the gospel then we must disciple those God has brought into our circle of influence.

I was fortunate enough to come under discipleship early on in my faith. It laid a strong foundation for my faith. I was introduced to prayer, Bible study, apologetics, giving, evangelism, and more because of discipleship. As I look back, I am certain that apart from discipleship my faith would have waned and I would have returned to my old life.

Discipleship strengthens the church for now and for the future. There should be no shortage of leaders. As long as there are people in the church there should be a constant cycle of leadership development (discipleship) and leadership deployment (placement). The church can only grow and advance in a substantial manner if we are laying a strong foundation through discipleship.

Discipleship is time consuming and deeply personal. To be effective you must let those you are leading into your life. They must see how you love your family, handle adversity, and live out your faith. Discipleship can be costly for all parties involved. Despite the cost, the rewards are eternal.

Christ knew the cost and the reward. Given the choice he chose discipleship over publicity. He knew that if the Kingdom of God were to advance through human vessels discipleship was the most effective way. My prayer is that leaders will avoid publicity and spend more time with the disciples.