“Twitters”, “Sound bites” and “video clips” are phrases that describe the approach to life, even the world view, of many of us today.  With life moving ever faster, the “bites” and “clips” seemingly help us survive or at least stay somewhat connected to a hectic, frenetic world.  Fewer and fewer people are setting any goals, let alone holding onto anything akin to life-long dreams.

To a significant and alarming degree we have lost the perspective that life is a journey and there is critical importance and value in having a long-term view of life.  This is particularly true for those of us claiming to be Christ-followers.  Take a moment and think about just three names from the Bible;
• Abraham
• Moses
• Paul

If you ponder the lives of these three amazing men it doesn’t take long before you realize that a central part of their lives was their journey.  They each lived lives where journeys played critical roles in their physical and spiritual growth and development.

Should it be any different for you and me?

This is particularly true for our spiritual journey.  We must take a long-term view – we must realize that growth, maturity and intimacy with God are the result of a day-by-day, week-by-week, month-by-month and year-by-year journey with God.  Spending time, that is the equivalent of “twittering”, will not result in you or me understanding the significance of “Be still and know that I am God”.

This is equally important for understanding discipleship.  For us to truly disciple or be discipled, we must understand that it is a journey.  Discipleship cannot happen in minutes or days.  It happens when deep relationships are built and maintained over months and years. 

In my last blog I talked a little about relationship and the challenge it presents for men.  It is out of this that I think we can also see why men struggle with discipleship.  By definition, discipleship means taking a journey with someone.  It is investing the time, energy, joy and pain to build a deep relationship that allows essential and sustainable spiritual growth and development.

To be men of God we must be discipled throughout life by godly men.  We must take the long-term view that true discipleship is a worthy goal and it is a life-long endeavor.  In addition, if we want to raise up new generations of godly men who are capable of serving and leading in family, church and community, we must understand that the godly men of today must disciple young men and boys.  This is long, hard work.  But it is the right long-term view, it is God’s view.

There is no greater call a man can answer than to be the tool God uses to unlock a young man’s potential. 

Don Paterson