Trying to disciple some people is a waste of time—yours and theirs. No matter how skilled or committed you are, some people just can’t be discipled. That’s an uncomfortable thing to say in our ultra-inclusive society, but I’m not writing anyone off. A person who is “undiscipleable” now could be a great investment a year from now. I know because at twenty I was undiscipleable. A year and a half later, my heart was full of fertile soil poised to produce a great crop!

So, what makes someone undiscipleable? Here are four traits that, if any one is present, will prevent someone from becoming a disciple maker:

1. Unfaithful – Before discipling someone observe how he engages with the opportunities he already has to grow. An unfaithful Christian proclaims a desire to grow and help others but doesn’t follow through. For example, if someone's in a small group, does he attend regularly? Does he prepare beforehand? If not, chances are he’ll treat the time with you the same way. Preparation and commitment reflect a hunger to learn and grow. Luke 16:10 uncovers this important training principle, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”