Disciplemakers...Are God Pleasers

Disciplemakers … Are God Pleasers
This is the first of three articles in this disciplemaker series

A disciplemaker is first and foremost a person who is a disciple of Christ. A disciple walks with Jesus consistently and falls more in love with Him daily. They desire to be His instrument in others’ lives. A disciplemaker takes this to the next level and helps others do the same. They see their work titles, life roles and responsibilities as opportunities to potentially touch lives for Christ. 

In I Thessalonians 2:1-6, Paul writes of three characteristics of disciplemakers. 

“You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed — God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.”

Notice Paul emphasizes that, “We are not trying to please men but God … we were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.”

"Praise from Men" 

"Praise from men" is when we look for others to applaud our actions or decisions, doing things just for people to notice or approve. This is a hindrance for a disciplemaker, determining our actions based on what others would think. Will they ‘praise me’ or will they take offense if I invite them to church? What will they think if I offer to meet with them and talk more about a relationship with Christ? 

Women seeking to be disciplemakers are not consumed with the praise from men. They are God pleasers not man pleasers. She knows that others may disagree and not give her praise. They may not think of her as awesome as they once did. She knows she is not here to build a fan base but to be an instrument in God's hands. God pleasers cannot have great concern with what others think. If they are, then they will not be effective bold witnesses and disciplemakers. 

Godpleaser in the Workplace

At the gym where I teach a few group fitness classes, I regularly and publicly talk about Christ. I invite people to church and lead a Bible study in the gym conference room. I make Christian posts in the 800-plus-member Facebook fitness group I administer. Not everyone in my classes or on the page are Christians. Many of them are from other faiths or none at all. I could shrink back by thinking, “If I announce this Bible study or invite people to Christmas Eve service, people may see me as narrow minded. They could see me as pushy. They may exclude me fro events and gatherings.” 

But, I, along with Paul in the above verses, join him in saying-“I am not trying to please people but God.” I seek to use each platform I am given to be a Godpleasing disciplemaker. Will you join me?
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Pause right here. Ask, “Lord, show me where I am seeking the praise of man instead of being a God pleaser. Lord, what areas of my life needs to change to be a more effective disciplemaker in your kingdom?”