Somebody is learning from your life. For parents, that is especially obvious. Your children are watching. But this is true for all of us. Friends watch. Coworkers watch. Younger believers watch. People we disciple watch.

The question isn’t whether we are discipling someone. The question is what are they learning from us?

My father modeled this in a way that shaped me deeply. Wherever he went, he usually had someone with him. He didn’t simply do ministry and then report back to people. He brought people alongside him.

As a kid, I didn’t always appreciate it. There were plenty of times I would squirm and argue because I didn’t want to go visit churches that were being planted. But I would often come home with stories about what God had done in people’s lives. I was watching discipleship and being discipled in real time.

Paul could say, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” That’s a bold statement, but it isn’t a call to make people like us. It’s a call to live close enough to Jesus that others can see what following Him looks like.

You don’t need a platform to disciple someone. Invite your child into your prayer life. Let a friend sit with you while you study Scripture. Bring someone with you when you serve. Let people see you repent, forgive, give, pray, and trust God.

Try this today: Identify one person who regularly sees your life. Invite them into something you’re already doing with Jesus.