Over the last few years, I’ve watched one of my granddaughters develop into a competitive distance runner – her races are often very exciting! Just as interesting to me, though, is how she ‘follows’ one of her coaches. This young woman, a gifted runner herself, is careful to guide my granddaughter in developing effective strategies for running long distances, as well as teaching her specific approaches to exercise, managing injuries, and breathing during extreme exertion. It is incredible to consider the significan...
Over the last few years, I’ve watched one of my granddaughters develop into a competitive distance runner – her races are often very exciting! Just as interesting to me, though, is how she ‘follows’ one of her coaches. This young woman, a gifted runner herself, is careful to guide my granddaughter in developing effective strategies for running long distances, as well as teaching her specific approaches to exercise, managing injuries, and breathing during extreme exertion. It is incredible to consider the significant impact this coach has on both the running experience and the personal lives of my granddaughter, as well as the other kids on the team.
In a very real way, my granddaughter is becoming a ‘disciple’ of this young coach. Fortunately for my family, this coach is a fine, Christian woman who leads in her church and lives a committed Christian life.
Interestingly, this is much how one’s Christian faith is worked out as we decide to become' disciples’ of Jesus. As we place our faith in Him and submit to His leadership and teachings, He influences almost every aspect of our lives.
In one passage, a crowd had gathered around Jesus to hear him teach; some were interested in becoming ‘disciples’ of Jesus. A question was asked of him, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus’ answer was insightful and clear: “You shall love the Lord Your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.‘ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40 Jesus had taught them what it was to live as his ‘disciple!’
Jesus' words were based on quotations of two Old Testament passages, which were the ‘bedrock’ teachings of the Jewish faith. These teachings were life teachings that would lead one in the ways of God and could guide us in this life, preparing us for the life to come.
“Love God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest commandment, as it is foundational for all the Jewish and Christian faith teachings. Loving God was more than emotional; it involved one’s feelings and passions, to be sure, but it also would lead one to commit oneself to learning the ways of God, and living in a way that would please God, and invite him into one’s life. When mature, this love for God would be absolute and steadfast, adding a profound sense of strength and stability to one’s life.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Here, Jesus made it clear that living as his disciple involved more than just religious belief; he also expected our faith to impact how we interact with others profoundly. To love another as oneself meant to be sincerely concerned for the well-being of others; too, it means that you would treat others as you would like to be treated – an idea that came to be called “the golden rule.” Apathy towards the sufferings of others, and hatred and rejection of those of different social or ethnic groups, simply had no place in the life of a disciple of Jesus!
When applied to our lives and relationships, these teachings will lead us to a life that is quite different from what is commonly seen on this earth. This is exactly as Jesus intended, as it will lead others to know the value of living as a disciple of Jesus and may even draw them into the faith.
May we all follow Jesus and live as his disciples!
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