This post is a part of a series that is meant to get you thinking about discipleship. Check out Red Rock’s brand new discipleship program, called Pursuit.
George Barna says that “most believers say their faith matters, but few are investing much energy into the pursuit of spiritual growth” (Growing True Disciples, 2001). Effort in and of itself does not bring about salvation, but spiritual growth is not just a magic pill that you take and then sit back. As Jesus discipled, He promoted an active faith which involved experiencing life around them in the context of their belief. They were not just students, but apprentices to the Master. When I think about apprentices, I think about actively learning. An apprentice carpenter works with wood as he learns. He watches the master carpenter and then attempts to repeat what he sees.
So if we attempt to repeat what we see in the life of Jesus, it is more than just reading about Him. It is more than just knowledge. Dallas Willard says that “as a disciple of Jesus I am with him, by choice and by grace, learning how to live in the kingdom of God” (Divine Conspiracy, 1997). We learn how to live in the kingdom, not how to sit.
Consider this passage:
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two