I recently removed an old fence from around our home. When my youngest son asked if it was hard work. I responded by telling him that it is always easier to tear down than to build up. The same is true with people. It is very easy to tear someone down because we don’t agree with him or her or we think they are doing something wrong. Like Jesus said, it is easier to find the speck in our neighbors eye than to find the log in ours.
When we disciple people we should focus on building up as often as we can. If we are discipling people who are young in their Christian faith, they will more than likely do things that our church culture will think inappropriate. Discipleship is a time for building up and correcting, but understanding how to correct without tearing down. It is the Holy Spirit who will convince them they are doing wrong not you or I. When we try nd tell people they are doing things wrong they may quit for a short period of time but then restart only to find it is harder to quit the second time.
Encourage those you disciple to search the scriptures for the truth. remember, “A man convinced against his will, is of the same mind still.” (Dave Ramsey) If they do not come to the conclusion themselves, it won’t stick.
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