Two critical discipleship actions are connect and move. On first hearing, they may sound contradictory. Allow me to define and explain why they are critical.
Connect
Connection is about two things. The first is relationship. The medium of discipleship is relationship. This is about about loving God and each other. It is about care. Without connection through relationship, discipleship is an academic exercise. Devoid of relationship, discipleship fails.
The second aspect of connection is engagement. When a disciple checks out or disconnects, discipleship often slows and stalls. This makes movement difficult or impossible. Engagement is essential in both the discipleship journey and with the church.
Move
Discipleship is a relationship, process, and journey. It is walking where Jesus leads as He makes us become like Him (see Matthew 4:19). In the absence of movement in the right direction, discipleship efforts may have failed. Course correction or a restart may be necessary.
Move is about relationship with God, our neighbors, and ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). Move is about an relationship with Jesus that shows itself to the world through a love for each other (John 13:34-35). It is about making spiritual progress. It’s about the inside of the cup as well as the outside (Matthew 23:26). It is about character and action. It’s about having and displaying the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
Connect and move are discipleship essentials. They are the heartbeats of discipleship. Stop and consider your discipleship and disciple-making efforts. Are connect or move healthy and growing or sick and struggling? Make disciples!