The World Is a Disciple-Making Machine

Formation doesn’t stop at our family’s door.

Take a step outside and look around. This world is not neutral. It is a disciple-making machine – and it never powers down.

It is full of voices competing for your formation:

Media tells you what to want. Culture defines what success looks like. Social systems train your instincts. Relationships reinforce — or quietly undermine — your sense of belonging and worth.

Each one whispers the same invitation, “Become like me.”

Not loudly. Not always obviously. But persistently. And over time, those whispers become instincts. Those instincts become identity.

They want to mold or shape you in their image…

so that you will be like them.

Discipleship is not something that starts when you sign up.

It’s something that never stops.

From the moment you were born, you have been shaped, formed, and grounded by forces around you.

Right now, without permission, forces you can’t see are shouting for your attention. Like gravity, they are relentless.

Consider your morning commute – which doesn’t seem to be a likely hotspot for formation.

The ads you hear on the radio or see on roadside billboards, the bus, or the subway are trying to sell you this month’s version of “The Good Life.” How does the day’s traffic – or morning news – affect your cheery mood? Are the unpleasant voices of your angry boss, spouse, or child still echoing endlessly in your head? Did you check your phone to pull a message, and 30 minutes later discover you’ve been held hostage by your social media feed?

Formation is always happening – even during something as simple as a morning commute.

Like gravity, this kind of discipleship is constant. It is always pulling your thoughts, your desires, your habits, your identity.

You are not if being discipled.

You are always being discipled.