I make a great Texas style chili. My personal favorite is the beef and Bambi, with an equal mix of ground prime sirloin and a similar grade of venison. But my carne adovada is pretty good, too. No beans!
With chili, though, it’s all about the spices. I work toward the right blend of chilis, supplemented with oregano, paprika, and other spices, to add just enough “pop” to the meat. Some spices are optional, skewing the flavor in one direction or another. Others, however, are essential. Leave them out, and you’re no longer making chili.
The work of the Great Commission, making disciples who make disciples, is a lot like making chili. There are some things in the church we call discipleship which are good and helpful, but there are a few elements that are essential. Leave these out and you may have a busy church, and even raise a few fruitful believers, but you will not consistently yield disciples who make disciples.
So, here’s an exercise for you. Consider the scripture, especially the New Testament. What are the essential ingredients for making disciples who make disciples? In other words, what are the critical elements that, if we left them out of the recipe, we’d no longer have chili?
Leave your answers in the comments as we continue the conversation.
Bro. Jim
Image Credit: https://lindysez.com/sauces-dressings-condiments/hormel-chili-no-beans-copycat-recipe/ Because I don’t take pictures of my food, and it’s hard to find a picture of good chili online.