Investing in others through discipleship

We are called as followers of Christ to go out into the world as disciples for the Lord. This is clearly stated after Jesus rose from the tomb,

“Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 ESV

From these verses you can see Jesus exercises his absolute authority by using the phrase “All Authority,” this is not something that is negotiable but required to be a true follower of Christ.

In the Warm Beach Horsemanship program, I’ve seen this outreach of discipleship among our staff, volunteers and students. We use a group lesson structure, but many times we will speak to our students one-on-one and invest in their lives beyond the saddle, as we build a relationship with them. At the barn we make it a point that every person we interact with feels seen, heard, and welcomed, no matter the spiritual journey they’re currently on.

Our staff has seen what this has done for many individuals at the barn, whether a student struggling with self-image or a volunteer needing the peace of horses to bring some stability in their life. The healing and love that has been fostered through this ministry is crucial in today’s world.

Directly after the most important commandment,

“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart.”

We are called to,

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  Mark 12:30-31

If we are not actively investing in others, then we are not spreading the Gospel as Jesus called us to do. This goes beyond our small bubble at Camp, the next time you see a cashier having a rough day or a stranger struggling with something, pause and take a few extra minutes to ask them about their day. Ask God to give you the words to speak into them if you’re unsure. Let them know they are seen and let God’s love shine through you to reach them, as Jesus commanded us to do.

Closing Prayer

Lord, I ask that you see my heart and my intention to reach those that are weary and burdened. Please give me the strength and guidance to invest in others as You have called us to do. I’m so grateful to have a Father that has the capabilities to do all things. Please help me to lean into your strength as I go forward as a disciple to spread the gospel. In Your name I pray, Amen.

– Aly Arnold, Barn Manager
Warm Beach Horsemanship