Yesterday we reminded ourselves from John 17 that Jesus has left us “in the world.” Clearly, we are to be “in the world but not of the world” (John 17.16 – 18), but what are we to be doing?

I was writing a short note to a couple who have been involved in a disciple-making ministry, going back to when June spent time with the wife when she was in high school! I wanted to close the note with something pithy and encouraging, and before I knew it, this sentence came out:

Walk with God, invest in people, and we’ll do the same!

I said to myself, “That describes our life and ministry as well as anything, especially if I modify it to include the generational piece:

Walk with God, invest in people, and help them to do the same.

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2.1, 2, NIV)

For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel. (Ezra 7.10, NAS)