As I prepare for students and staff to return this week for what will be my 10th year as a principal (17th overall) in the same school district, I always use the summertime to search for a way to focus myself to be the person God wants me to be at school for the upcoming year–as every year has its own unique challenges!
Well, it didn’t take me long this summer to find that focus. Early in the summer I received this challenge from Bill Allison of Cadre Ministries:
“One candle lights another only when they are brought close together. Think about this. If you’re not walking close enough to Jesus to receive the flame…OR… If you’re not prayerfully pulling a handful of people close enough so you can pass the flame on to them… then it doesn’t really matter how much religious activity you are involved in… you’ll never be a Jesus-like disciplemaker who receives the flame and then passes it on to others—who then pass it on to others, ad infinitum. Is that ok with you? I hope not. Ponder the truth of this in your life: One candle lights another only when they are brought close together. Are you close enough to the flame to receive it… and close enough to others to pass it on?” (Cadre Connection, June 6th)
That really got me thinking about not only how I do my job, but also how I handle ministry and my relationships. My biggest obstacle is my selfishness. I get so caught up in accomplishing MY goals, MY tasks, and MY projects that soon my world shrinks to–well–myself!
Now, I know Bill well enough to know that he LIVES OUT what he says!!! As a new teacher 17 years ago, he and another teacher truly discipled me by investing in my life and getting to know me. Even though both Bill and that other teacher both moved on to other things, their godly influence in my life continues to this day. Am I passing it on or keeping it to myself?
Do you also want to commit to living the life of a disciple-maker? Bill has created a great resource for you and with his permission I am happy to share it with you. It is called the Disciplemakers Prayer.
From there you can print it out. Join me in saying it everyday and let’s see who God brings in our lives! Are you up for it?
More to come…
Jeremy
Awaken Ministries 
Investing the time and energy is my excuse and I have found it comes directly from the one prowling about seeking whom to devour. Those in whom I have invested have grown and they, in turn, have been a blessing to me and to others. Good food for thought.
Amen! I love this! Thank you for sharing. May we strive to follow this in our lives and let others see Jesus thru us! So thankful for your faith and the influence for Christ you are in our school and the lives of those you reach. Bless you for standing firm in your faith and holding true to that as you work in the school.