the Jury is Still Out

     In English we have a phrase, "the jury is out," to indicate a situation of which we do not currently know the outcome. Perhaps because i have recently received a summons for jury service, I am thinking along these lines regarding discipleship. Discipleship is sometimes discussed in the church in North America but more often ignored. What is it? Discipleship is the primary way in which the Holy Spirit intends to make us more like Jesus, thus fulfilling the original plan set out by God in the creation of humanity in Genesis 1.He said, "Let us make man in our image and in our likeness." ( Genesis 1:26,28) Discipleship involves at least one more mature disciple equipping and helping another disciple to grow in their faith in Christ. This requires humility in order to receive teaching and instruction, and, most crucially, a willingness to be accountable to the one working with us.
     Accountability is the missing ingredient that transforms friendship or mentoring into discipleship. We are willing to receive the gift of someone listening to us, of sympathy, encouragement, prayer and ministry of the Word. As people growing up and living in North American culture which prizes independence, self-sufficiency, and rebellion against authority, we are unwilling to be accountable.
     Looking back, i see this in my own life. When my heart is right before God, I want to obey, to receive instruction and correction, structure and discipline. When my heart is not right, I do not want any of those things. So can Americans submit to another believer for their own growth? Lacking a culture of discipleship make this far more difficult. We are in a pioneering situation. I am thinking of a young believer of just over a year whom i know in Brazil who is already more mature in Christ than many North Americans of my acquaintance who have known Christ for decades. What is the difference? From day one of this Brazilian's conversion there has been discipleship within a context of a church where everyone is either being discipled or they are not part of the church.
     Could this happen here? Naturally speaking, I have no hope. My hope comes from Matthew 28:19 where Jesus commands us to make disciples of "all nations." I do not believe He would tell us to do something that could not be done. May we obey our King.