A Penny Doubled – See. Perceive. Act.

Maybe you’ve heard the question, former procrastinators.  Would you rather have a million dollars or a penny doubled every day for thirty days?

Tempted to grab the million and run?  You’d miss out.  A penny doubled everyday for thirty days would gain you $5,368,709.12.   

This is the compound effect of multiplication.  One little cent doubles to two. On day 10, it’s $5.12.  On day 20, it’s $5,242.88.  On day 30, it’s $5,368,709.12.

This is fascinating to know, but what difference does it make to us as former procrastinators? What does it have to do with See. Perceive. Act?

First, we recognize there’s no need to put off reaching out to another woman.  This simple one-on-one is exactly what God designed and instructed.  Nothing is required but yielding to the Holy Spirit.  We see numerical facts and recognize how multiplication, though initially slower than adding, actually passes adding and produces greater fruit.  We perceive that it works the same way with making disciples.  We devote ourselves to teaching one person to trust Jesus and obey His commands – including the command to make disciples. As she becomes established in Christ, we equip her to reach out and do the same with another woman.  The two of them teach others. And so on.

Jesus told His disciples “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:18:20)  A disciple is a doer of His word.

In obedience, Paul trained Timothy and taught him, “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”  (2 Timothy 2:2)  Four generations are mentioned here.

And so, faithful men and women have trained others until it comes to us who now train others.

No large packed arenas, stadiums, or churches.  Just one homemaker or co-worker sharing with another.  Ordinary people reaching out to other ordinary people.  And the Holy Spirit moves to build the kingdom of God.

These numbers make a point, but the major difference with making disciples versus adding converts is the relationships that form and the growth and maturity in each person on the journey.  Arenas, stadiums, and churches are also tools in the hands of the Lord.  However, one-on-one discipleship comes with uniquely rich blessings and results.

So… take the penny!  For an even greater investment, for a treasure that can never be stolen, perish, or fade – we invest in making disciples.  Teach one person to trust Christ, to obey His commands, and to teach others to do the same.  God’s ways are amazing and we are privileged to participate.  The rewards are phenomenal!

Who are you praying about investing in?