“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22

The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. In fact, you and I are actually commanded to make disciples and walk alongside other believers. How do we do that? Our Christian culture may have over-complicated this with well-meaning books, classes, and strategies. It’s simply walking with God “along with” others in mutual friendship and encouragement.

When new participants attend one of our organization’s outdoor expeditions, they first must learn basic outdoor skills. We follow a simple acronym, MAWL: model, assist, watch, and leave. In some ways this is a picture of how it is in our walk of faith, too. New believers need to see what it looks like to pursue God. They may need your assistance. As they grow in maturity, they will begin to teach others also, and you’ll watch and encourage them.

We often excuse ourselves from this command because we haven’t been “discipled” ourselves by another believer. Friend, you have all you need because you have the Holy Spirit in your heart and the Word of God in your hands.

Insight: If you don’t currently have someone in your life alongside of you as a believer, pray that God would show you who that should be!