As I type this, I'm a few hours from having completed my first outpatient physical therapy session. My goal in this first four weeks is to regain as much range of motion as I can. Each subsequent set of sessions will work at different aspects in my shoulder rehabilitation. Oh, I want it to be quick, but I know that won't be the case. The healing process can be long and slow, and must be taken one step at a time. It, much to my chagrin, won't happen overnight!
Isn't that how at times we may look at our Christian growth? We want as little effort as possible, and we want it to happen quickly. Well, hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but it won't be like that at all! In fact, becoming a disciple is a life-long process. And, much like therapy, it consists of incremental steps. We have to do one thing before we can do the next. And we can't jump ahead, hoping that by bypassing steps we'll somehow get to the "goal" faster. Again, it won't happen.
In one sense, discipleship is OJT - "on the job training." We learn - and grow - as we go. But the rub is, we have to go! It is almost impossible to grow as a disciple if we do nothing. We have many excuses for not working on our Christian growth. I've both heard and used many. I don't have time. I don't like to read. I don't like serving on committees (neither do I!). I don't have any gifts for ministry. I'm retired. I don't like this and I don't like that. Do you notice that these excuses have one thing in common? They are all based on our likes and desires.
It's been said many times that if discipleship were easy everyone would do it. Years ago, I heard a story about the way we can travel in a canoe down a swift-flowing river. The first of three possible ways is what might be called the "white knuckle" method. We hold on to the sides of the canoe, much as we would a roller coaster, as it races downstream. We do little to nothing to guide the canoe. The second method is to paddle furiously upstream against the current. Not going to achieve much there, will we? But, what do disciples do?
Disciples use the canoe paddles to guide the canoe downstream, avoiding snags and other hazards. They are alert to the dangers and look ahead, planning their route down. They have the skills acquired through training and practice. And, most likely, they navigate the currents successfully. This last way is the way of a disciple seeking to follow Jesus. They are prepared. They practice. And they hone their skills to better able to navigate the road of discipleship.
Are you on the road to growth as a discipleship? If not, why not? There is no age limit, and the discipleship journey is never complete. It is a lifetime journey. But the good news is we travel through the power of the Holy Spirit in the company of others also on the journey. Pick a place to start and get on the road. It will be an exciting journey. Of that I can promise you! See you on the road.
Grace and peace,
Mike
February 15, 2015