T.A.C.O. Tuesday
Is taco tuesday part of your weekly tradition?
This past Tuesday, our family threw down with some killer Baja Shrimp Tacos, and you can snag that recipe here. But I’m actually thinking of something even better than your latest table fare.
One of the most encouraging parts of my week is having a weekly discipleship gathering with other Jesus-followers. Our time together is challenging, uplifting, and helps me stay grounded in what’s most important in my life.
It feels as though we could all use some grounding these days in what’s real, true, and enduring, so I want to focus for a minute on what it actually means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ before we get to the Tuesday connection. You’re going to love the acronym we’ll use to describe the kind of heart we want to have as we follow Jesus in living a Great Commission lifestyle!
What does it mean to be a disciple?
A disciple is someone who loves Jesus and follows Him with her whole heart and her whole life. She is an “adherent,” sticking with Jesus and covered with the residue of His grace. I want to suggest to you that a disciple is a T.A.C.O., too!
Let’s break it down…
T - A disciple is teachable. She is humble and curious. She’s a lifelong learner, readily receives instruction or coaching, and seeks out wisdom.
A - A disciple is available. She’s willing to carve out time to draw near to God and gather with other Jesus-followers. She’s not too busy for the things of God.
C - A disciple is committed. She’s all-in when it comes to obeying Jesus in fulfilling the Great Commission and eager to invest into others’ lives what God has invested into hers. A disciple makes other disciples.
O - A disciple is others-oriented. She recognizes that her primary purpose in life is to be an ambassador for Christ to those around her. She actively pushes against the self-centered curl of life. While going about her daily life, her spiritual antennae are up. She’s overflowing with hope and longs to serve others in love.
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
If you’re wondering if your heart and habits align with the T.A.C.O. concept, I’d encourage you to consider the personal reflections below. I’m also sharing a few helpful resources to equip you in each of these four spaces.
1
Teachable
Are you willing to allow someone else to teach you and speak openly into your life? If so, who do you know that is at least one step ahead of you spiritually that you can ask to do so?
Check out these biblical resources in your pursuit of lifelong learning:
Blue Letter Bible
Faithlife Study Bible
2
Available
Are you too busy to make time for the things of God?
Remember that you make time for what’s most important to you, so consider shuffling some things around and shaking the pillow off a little earlier to use your time in ways that matter most.
525,600 Minutes = The number of minutes in a year
…Can you set aside a few minutes a day to draw near God?
…An hour or two each week to gather with other believers?
You can do this! Remember, after only a few weeks, your new rhythm will feel like second nature…and you’ll probably be hungry for even more time with God and your Jesus tribe.
3
Committed
The final parting words of Jesus, as He left His followers to finish the gospel mission on earth, was to make disciples of others in partnership with Him. How willing are you to be all-in with Jesus in living out a Great Commission lifestyle? What help do you need in doing so?
Check out my 10-Step Discipleship process for inspiration on the key milestones of a hand-crafted discipleship journey.
4
Others-Oriented
As you go throughout your day today, consider the following:
-Put your “spiritual antennae” up. Who has God placed on your path today, and how might you be a vessel of His love for them?
-Be fully present. Warmly welcome interruptions (deep breath) and graciously give your full attention to the person you are with.
-Consider the causes most important to you. Take one small step today to serve others in love in alignment with the passions God has placed on your heart.
Here are two that are close to my heart:
IJM
St. Louis Area Foodbank
Now back to the Tuesday thing. If you begin to build time into your weekly rhythm of life to gather with other believers, becoming more T.A.C.O.-like as you seek Jesus together through discipleship, you’ll have a brand new “Taco Tuesday” tradition that might just make Tuesdays your favorite day of the week. And if it happens to be a day other than Tuesday when you gather, well who’s to say that every day can’t be the perfect one for a taco?
I want to see your T.A.C.O. gatherings! Take a pic of you and all your T.A.C.O.-belles at your next discipleship gathering, and be sure to tag me on Instagram @tracysullivandiscipleship to share.
Need some help or guidance on how to kick start a new T.A.C.O. Tuesday tradition? Send me an email and let me know how I can help you.