3 ways to make disciples despite the chaos

Rob Streetman Jan. 3, 2021

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One does not need prophetic gifts to recognize that the chaos and storms of 2020 will continue for the foreseeable future. The 2020s will likely be the most chaotic time most of us (at least in America) will experience in our lifetime.

Translating this into "kingdom-speak": This decade will be the most opportunistic and pivotal time the God-assigned ambassadors to the United States of America have seen in almost 100 years.

There is no better time to be a disciple maker than in the midst of chaos and storms. If our houses remain standing, many who have lost theirs will be coming to us for refuge, encouragement, and understanding.

With this great opportunity in mind, I dare say we all could use a bit of inspection and restoration. Therefore, as we close out this incredibly chaotic year, I offer you three considerations:

Perspective: We are seated with Christ in heavenly places, with access to heaven's perspective (Ephesians 2:6). God offers His peace and purpose in the chaos and storms.

Furthermore, strong houses are built from an eternal perspective; they are built to last, not to survive for a year or two. Patchwork and paint-overs won't cut it. We must secure and strengthen our house through the spiritual disciplines God has provided.

Position: God providentially positions us geographically, relationally, and with particular responsibilities. Consideration for the impact zone of these dimensions is critical. Our influence will be greatest (for God's glory) with people in our closest spheres.

We must avoid and reject the temptation to give unbalanced attention to people and situations in our periphery (e.g., political wrangling in Washington, D.C. and riots on the other side of the country).

Privilege: We are ambassadors of a kingdom far greater than the United States of America (2 Corinthians 5:20). This will be controversial, but it seems to me that we must choose between remaining a citizen of America or becoming God's ambassador to it. God does not entertain split allegiances.

Furthermore, God has made us vessels, instruments, and weapons of righteousness (Romans 6:13; 2Timothy 2:21). We are stewards of the mysteries of God, required to be found faithful (1Corinthians 4:1-2). These are privileges, not burdens. They represent opportunities to experience the glory of God in the good work He has created for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 5:16).

Developing and maintaining the proper perspective on our position and privilege as Kingdom citizens and ambassadors in this world will sustain and empower us through the chaos and storms of the 2020s. God will use us to encourage, edify, and equip others for the same.

In closing, let me remind you that the Sermon on the Mount contains the keys to a strong house.

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. ~Matthew 7:24-25

As you study the Sermon (it only takes fifteen minutes to read through the Matthew account), recognize that it does not contain a set of Christian requirements, but instead describes the person whom the Godhead has committed to transform, by grace through faith.

Commityour way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass. ~Psalm 37:5

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Rob Streetman serves the body of Christ as President of two parachurch ministries: inLight Consulting (a workplace transformation ministry) and 2:2 Collective (a unity and church growth ministry). He is the author of two books: The Map Maker and A Storm is Coming. Rob’s heart desires is to encourage, edify and equip Christian leaders as disciple-makers and transformation agents—that they would become houses that stand in the storms of this life. He previously worked in various IT industry positions. Learn More »

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