In a thought-provoking podcast conversation, Andy Mage and Ashley Lagos discuss the importance of covert discipleship and the need to pause, reflect, and understand others before passing judgment. They explore various topics, including personal experiences, motivations, and the power of intentional communication. This blog post aims to summarize and delve deeper into these insights, highlighting the significance of covert discipleship and how it can shape our interactions with others.
Understanding Others
The conversation emphasizes the need to pause and reflect on the perspectives of others, especially in topics such as race, religion, politics, and sexual orientation. By genuinely seeking to understand someone's background and experiences, we can develop empathy and compassion. The podcast participants share personal examples, illustrating the importance of knowing one's "why" and how it influences their actions. This understanding enables them to empower women and address social issues like human trafficking and self-esteem.
Stepping Outside Our Comfort Zone
The podcast participants highlight the importance of stepping outside our own vantage point to understand and empathize with others. They acknowledge that certain experiences, such as being transgender, might be foreign to them personally, but that doesn't invalidate others' perspectives. Instead, they emphasize the need for open dialogue and asking questions to bridge the gap between differing viewpoints. By doing so, we can become less judgmental, build stronger connections, and become more effective in discipleship.
Covert Discipleship on the Internet
The conversation extends to the realm of online interactions, emphasizing the need to reflect before engaging in heated debates or divisive discussions. The participants propose a four-step approach: pausing to consider whether our response is pleasing to God, evaluating how our mentors would feel about our words, assessing whether our comments align with our character and values, and reflecting on the impact our words might have on the other person. By following this process, we can bring peace, encouragement, and reflect the character of Christ through intentional comments.
The Power of Love and Uplifting Words
Covert discipleship doesn't always require direct confrontations or explicit references to scripture. The podcast participants stress the impact of intentionally uplifting and motivating others, even in seemingly ordinary interactions. They highlight the significance of reflecting the character of Christ in our words and actions, showing love and support to those who are struggling. It's about genuinely caring for others, regardless of their background or struggles, and offering a positive and encouraging presence.
Conclusion
Covert discipleship is about walking out our beliefs in love, understanding, and compassion. By pausing, reflecting, and seeking to understand others, we can bridge gaps, foster empathy, and create meaningful connections. Whether online or in person, the power of intentional words and actions can transform lives and offer hope to those in need. Let us strive to be covert disciples who reflect the character of Christ, embracing diversity, and loving others unconditionally.
What do you think? What are other ways you can live out your faith and make disciples? Share your ideas below or on social media.
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