Our church is focused on discipleship, which we define as helping people know God and grow in God. In a recent conversation with church leaders, I asked them what obstacles they were facing as they encouraged others to make disciples. They were encouraged in several ways, but they’d all heard a few reasons/excuses to shun discipleship: “I’m too old. I’m too busy. I’m too young.” We were left wondering, “Then who is left to make disciples?”

I’d like to share a Scripture I thought related to each excuse.

1. I’m too old. Some older folks have seen their energy and connections dwindle. So they’ve bought the lie that they are too old for discipleship. Self preservation dominates their thoughts.

 “Let us not become weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9).

 If you’re still taking your share of oxygen, our world needs you to make disciples. I know of so many younger people who are absolutely desperate for an older person or couple to take them under their wing. Trust me, you have more game than you think. Don’t quit.

 2.  I’m too busy. Some people, usually in the middle of life, are running the rat race. They feel lassoed and drug around by the constant demands of job and family. Thus, they’ve shelved discipleship.

 “Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be given unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

 If this is you, think about why you are busy. You have a multitude of connections. God sees them as opportunities. And don’t forget that you get to write your schedule. I know, not all of it, but you do control some it. So guard what matters most. Disciple your family, invest in your church, and make time for those who need your time.

3. I’m too young. Young people have told us that they lack wisdom, experience, or confidence. God knows you. He knows your weaknesses, but He also knows your potential (much better than you do).

 “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young but set an example
for the believers” (I Timothy 4:8).

 Young people, your window of opportunity with your current set of friends is closing. You’ll stay connected with a couple of them, but most will be a vague memory in twenty years. You have unique opportunities to help people, young and old, know God, and grow in God.

Good News
Reasons abound for Christ followers to avoid discipleship. But every last one of them is rooted in sin. We’ve all fallen short, but God comes to us with grace. Thank the Lord for that. But along with the grace, God prods us forward. Don’t stand still. Don’t buy the excuses, the lies. Trust in the promises of God, and then God will allow you to help others trust Him too.

 

Related posts:  Bust out of your comfort zone, 3 misconceptions about discipleship;  The stages of discipleship

 

3 Discipleship excuses God grace Matthew 28 Project reasons