I’m not usually one to jump on a bandwagon or go along with the latest trend. In fact I typically avoid the trends at all costs… at least until they are way out of style. However, while reading Ann Voskamp’s articles about her One Word journeys through the years, my interest was piqued and I could feel a tugging on my heart to learn more. So I set out to do what I do best, and research this One Word phenomenon.

During this time of research and reflection, my inbox and Facebook news-feed were flooded with other articles from various souls in cyber land about their respective One Words. Apparently, ‘tis the season! The rebel inside instantly said: “Oh, this is just a bunch of hoopla…another bandwagon!” And I almost dismissed the idea entirely.

But the tugging never left, and the word kept popping up…

It is the topic of my small group… Some preachers on the radio would be talking about it… It found its way into articles and books that, I thought, had no relation.

This word is something I have been passionate about for years… but why now?

Why this way?

I’m not exactly sure.

But I do know, from experience, when God lays something on my heart, I need to pay attention…He has something special planned.

If you are not familiar with the One Word concept, here is a brief explanation:

Instead of making a list of New Year’s resolutions, or setting up a bunch of unrealistic goals for the new year, the idea is to choose one word to focus on, whether it is an action, a virtue, or a state of mind, doesn’t really matter. What matters is that it is something that you feel God wants to teach you this year.

In the book that started this movement, My One Word by Mike Ashcraft, he asks the question,

“Who do you want to become?”
He advises us to focus on vision, not regret. Most resolutions are based on regret, (for example, lose the extra pounds we packed on during the holidays).

Posing the question:

“Who do you want to be?”
Or rather:

“How do you want to be?”
Is focusing on vision, on character formation.

It is the why behind our way.

Thinking about it this way, I could grasp it. This is not just a list of dos and don’ts. It is not meant to be impulse control. This is meant to flow from the heart.

So it was completely obvious to me, right away, what my one word would be for 2013.

DISCIPLE
dis·ci·ple noun/ verb

one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another

This particular definition sums up not only what a disciple is but also what a disciple does.

As a disciple of Christ, I am to accept His teaching and doctrines. I am to follow His example. I am also to teach those doctrines to others by word and example so that they, too will become disciples.

I am to love.

John 13:35 says:

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Follow. Learn. Love. Teach.

This year I will let Him teach me what it truly takes to be His disciple and what it takes to disciple others.

This is one bandwagon I am going to ride.