Summer camp was fun. It was the anticipated annual event that I remember attending as a kid. There were many activities and things to learn and do, but my favorite was the skill class, and for that I always chose archery. I was, and still am, intrigued by the skill needed to shoot an arrow and get it to hit the center of the target. It is actually harder than it looks. In the skill class the teacher helped us learn the technical side of archery and the form needed to shoot correctly. However, there was much more. We were required to memorize safety rules and implement them at all times in the class. I quickly learned that listening to the teacher and doing what he taught really helped my efficiency in using the bow and the accuracy of shooting the arrow. As I progressed in skill and knowledge the teacher gave me the task of helping others learn the technicalities of archery and do it safely. The same is true for a disciple of Jesus Christ. We begin our spiritual life when we not only believe, but accept that Jesus has paid the price for our sin. It is from that point forward that we are given the challenge to “hear the word of God and obey it!”(Luke 11:28). A true disciple of Jesus is literally a committed follower who accepts His teaching as valuable for all of life and puts it into practice. In Luke 14:25-35 Jesus gives several key characteristics of a disciple. It all begins with a relationship with Him (26) and a commitment to Him (27). Like in archery, when we depend on Jesus and listen to Him as our teacher we will have something of spiritual value, that can be passed on to others, that will guide them in their daily walk with Him.
For more see LUKE or QUESTIONS & ANSWERS or DISCIPLESHIP