I read an
article with the above title and was challenged as to the power of Culture on our
faith.[1] Mary Wiley pointed out
that we live in an instant and fast-paced
world. This is not a new message, but what she did wisely mention was the effect that is having on our lifestyle as
Christ-followers. She said that,
“The more I ask questions about
discipleship, the more I hear that we might be a missing link in many of our
congregations.
So, what
should we be aware of in light of culture to equip our people for discipleship?
And how do we encourage everyone to seek out someone further along than them
who might be able to teach them the basics of the faith?”
Mary
offers three observations,
1.
Our culture has shifted our theology into a
choose-your-own-adventure exercise,
Without being deeply rooted in
the Word, it would be so very easy to believe whatever sounds best about God… Discipleship is both teaching and learning to
read the Bible thoroughly, and with the whole counsel of Scripture. We can’t
pick and choose verses and passages to build our beliefs… Without quality discipleship that leads to reading the Bible
well, developing strong theology, and understanding genre and context within
any given book, we can be swayed by whatever the cool thing to believe is at
the time.
2.
Our culture has given us the concentration of a
goldfish,
In the span of five minutes, we may
open 10 different apps, read the first half of articles, and flip through 15
different TV shows… This has translated into our discipleship processes as the
desire to read one verse and talk about it rather than reading context and
larger portions of Scripture. What, sit
and read an entire Bible letter at once? No way! Good discipleship reminds us
of the importance of Scripture and the need to read it for what it says,
through the context of a close relationship with another person. It also
teaches us how to read Scripture, pray through Scripture, and confess sin as we
read Scripture that reveals our hearts are not in line with God’s good
direction. Unfortunately, good discipleship doesn’t happen by reading a verse
on Twitter.
3.
Our culture would like for truth to be a sliding
scale of grey,
Good discipleship allows us to
ask hard questions of God, of His Word, and of each other because of the depth
of relationship and heart to see one another grow. Discipleship is not just
‘doing life with someone’ and keeping it vague enough so that the relationship
would make sense outside the confines of faith… Discipleship might be awkward
at times, but doing it how culture tells you to will certainly result in a lack
of growth. Do the hard work, make the uncomfortable asks, and grow alongside
others who are walking in the faith with you.
[1] “3
Things our Culture is Doing to Bible Reading and Discipleship.” Mary Wiley https://csbible.com/culture-bible-discipleship/
(23rd May 2018).
No comments:
Post a Comment