Discipleship Amidst Turkey, Touchdowns, and Traditions

by Mike Fisk / November 1, 2023

The holiday season is a mosaic of our favorite things: the smell of turkey roasting, the heavenly taste of pumpkin pie, the hours spent glued to the TV enjoying the age-old tradition of cheering the Cowboys to victory (err… maybe I’m alone in that one), and lamenting the inevitable Lions' loss (with maybe the exception of this year!?). Amidst the feasts, family gatherings, and fourth-quarter comebacks, Thanksgiving is also a great reminder of the blessings in our lives, including the Spirit at work in our journey of discipleship.

Discipleship: Beyond the Holiday Festivities

While our plates are filled with holiday goodies and our living rooms echo with laughter of friends and family, let's also carve out a moment to reflect on our spiritual journey. Discipleship isn't merely a personal pursuit but a collective responsibility. We’re all called to be disciples who make disciples.

Being a disciple means more than attending Sunday services. It's about living out the teachings of Christ, and growing more into his image in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and the distraction. A helpful way to ensure this growth and focus are life groups.

Life Groups: Nourishing our Spiritual Appetite

• Fostering a Spirit of Gratitude: In the same way we gather around the Thanksgiving table to share stories of thankfulness for all the good things in our lives, so too in Life Groups, each time we gather, we have the opportunity to do the same. Every meeting we share stories with one another of God’s goodness, grace, and faithfulness in our lives. Through our Life Groups we develop a habit of remembering the love of our Father.

• Balancing Tradition with Purpose: Often the holiday season can revolve around family, food, and consumerism. Life groups are a tool to help us keep Christ at the center. They serve as reminders that beyond the family traditions, lies the true essence of the season: celebrating Christ’s love, and God’s faithfulness throughout life's journey.

• Multiplying the Blessings: As we share and laugh with our family this thanksgiving, let's also focus on outreach. As disciples with a mission to make more disciples, this season provides a great opportunity for us to invite others into our community, and allow them to experience Christ's love firsthand. In the same way Christ provides a way for us to join God's family, let us extend our Thanksgiving celebrations as invitations for others to gather, share, and feel the warmth of community, while also showing the love of Christ to others.

• Strengthening Bonds Amidst the Festivities: Life groups, during the holiday whirlwind, help ground us in our faith. They're a place where we come together, share our challenges, and find strength in community and prayer, helping us navigate the season with Christ at the center.

Embracing the Fullness of the Season

Thanksgiving isn't just about indulging in our favorite foods or cheering for our teams. It's a season of gratitude, reflection, and action. As we enjoy the best parts of the holiday—be it grandma’s green bean casserole, or the warm embrace of our loved ones—let's also make sure we nourish our spiritual health. As our bellies and waistlines inevitably expand with holiday feasting, let's also work to expand in Christlikeness, maturing and becoming more like Him with each new day.

Life groups play an essential role in this, keeping us focused on our mission and vision. As we gear up for the holidays, let's remember our commitment to discipleship. Let our actions this season—whether it's inviting someone to join our life group or extending a helping hand—reflect our heart's gratitude, showcasing to the world the transformative love of Christ.

To sum up, during this holiday season, let’s enjoy the best of everything: the joy of shared meals, the excitement of football, the love and warmth of family, and most importantly, the importance of our journey of discipleship. As we laugh, share, and pray, let's keep Christ and the gospel at the center, making sure our celebrations are not just festive but purposeful, being disciples who make disciples.