In this series titled the Alongsider, we’ve been Alongsider Discipleshipjourneying through a book by Bill Mowry titled The Ways of the Alongsider: Growing Disciples Life2Life. The first chapter of the book really sets the stage for what this idea of an alongside really is. We also talk about the different between professionals and amateurs. The second chapter deals primarily with developing a passion for the ways of God and making this life of discipleship a true lifestyle.

Chapter three brings us face to face with a powerful word: intentionality. Nothing in the life of faith happens by accident. The sooner we realize that fact, the better off we’ll be. We don’t accidentally follow Christ faithfully. We don’t accidentally share our faith lives with other people. We must be intentional about how, when, where, why and what we share with people where we live, work, and play. 

Mowry discusses this through a series of coaching type questions on various bible verses. When we look at the words of the bible with a fresh set of eyes, we’ll see how truly intentional Jesus was in his life. Take for instance the way he called his disciples in Mark 3. Jesus could have easily done the work that he needed to do all by himself. After all, if you believe that he is the true Son of God, you will agree that he can do anything. But he chose a different way. He chose the way of relationships and intentionally walking beside us in life. He chose to re-establish an intentional relationship with the people of world by walking alongside us in our daily lives.

The people ate that up! They couldn’t get enough. They wanted more because they knew that he was there for them. When Jesus did miracles people wanted to be near him. When they saw his power, they wanted more from him. But Jesus wanted something deeper for them, for us. He wanted a relationship. He wanted to establish community where it was lacking. When sin entered the world, it created a desire in all of us to be self-focused. We strive for things that often will benefit us, regardless of their impact on those around us. Jesus didn’t operate in this manner.

Intentionality is what Jesus final words recorded in Matthew’s gospel are really all about. Jesus calls us to intentionally do what he has done. He tells us to come alongside others in relationship. He tells us that walking this life together is critical to manage the hurts and pains that we will endure. Jesus’ focus was on organic growth of his Father’s kingdom. Jesus knew that without relationships the message of the cross would find little meaning people’s lives. Could this by why the church in North America seems to be failing? Could it be that our lack of relationships with people where we live, work, and play has hindered the receptivity to the message of forgiveness?

Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors. He told us to make disciples. The bible tells us to live as one in the world. We’re told to carry one another’s burdens. All of these things are things done in the context of relationships’ and they must happen intentionally. Jesus calls himself the way, the truth, and the life. This is more than a way of forgiveness and assurance for our eternity. It’s a way of life for us today. When we are intentional about following in the footsteps of Jesus, this way of life becomes part of our daily routine. We see the people around us differently. We see them as people for whom Jesus lived and died. We see them as children of the Father. We see them as our brothers and sisters.

As the chapter comes to a close, we’re guided through several key bible verses that help us hone in on what a disciple looks like. It’s a profile of sorts for discipleship. Here’s the summary of a disciple based on my understanding of these key passages: A disciple is a follower of Jesus seeking to intentionally and frequently workout their salvation where they live, work, and play. Disciples spend regular time in God’s word and prayer. They also demonstrate their love for God by serving their neighbors. 

This is a very simplified version of what the book works through. If we boil it down to one sentence, it would be this. Discipleship is the process of being transformed into the image of Christ for the sake of others. Over the next several weeks we’ll hit on the different profile points of a disciple and what they mean for us today. In the meantime, live intentionally. Don’t let accidents rule your life. Know the path of Christ for you and go where he calls.