Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord. (Acts 15:36)
I thought professing my faith was the end. I listened to those teaching about Christ and decided I wanted to be a part of the family. In my mind, the profession was the final step. I did not fully understand Christianity and what accepting Christ meant. I now know this is the furthest thing from the truth. I am so thankful for pastors who were willing to come alongside me and check on me as I continued to grow in my faith. I quickly learned my profession of faith was not the end; rather, it was the beginning. However, without the direction and guidance of others, I likely would not have continued to grow in the faith.
Paul was the teacher. He was the one leading people to Christ. Yet he understood that leading them to Christ was not the end of his assignment. He wanted to return to visit the believers. He wanted to make sure they were continuing to grow in the faith and do the work of Jesus Christ.
We cannot lead others to Christ and then forget about them. If Christ-followers are to truly disciple, then they must continue to walk with those who make a commitment for Christ. Making the commitment is not the end of their journey; it is the beginning of their life.
Choose to walk with someone who has accepted Christ recently.
Tara Klein is a Wesley Seminary graduate who enjoys relaxing with her family, serving others, and sharing God’s unconditional love with the lost and brokenhearted.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
