In a cozy corner of a local coffee shop, a young man shared his struggles. Despite attending church, he felt a disconnection, an inability to grasp the essence of the sermons. His lack of foundational knowledge made the scriptures seem like a puzzle with too many missing pieces.
This story is not unique in today’s age. We live in a digital era where bite-sized motivational quotes and memes flood our social media feeds, creating a muddled spiritual panorama. As a result, even devout Christians might find their understanding of faith superficial.
If we turn back the pages to the basic definition of “disciple”, it means “student”. Yet, over time, churches seem to have drifted from the essential component of education. Our times now demand an intentional revival of the practice of teaching the Word in our congregations.
The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 4:20, emphasizes that discipleship isn’t about merely absorbing information but experiencing a transformative journey with Christ. A disciple’s aim should not be limited to gaining knowledge but should venture into a life that mirrors Jesus’s teachings.
A glance through the continuing verses of Ephesians 4 showcases this exact sentiment. Knowledge should pave the path to action; understanding the teachings should lead us to embody the values of truth, generosity, forgiveness, and love.
Christ’s teachings were straightforward. He urged us to not only know His commands but to practice and live by them. True education in faith thus goes beyond traditional methods. It is about forming a deep, life-affirming bond with Christ, inculcated through interactions, shared experiences, and the journey of life.
But how do we adapt this traditional idea of discipleship to our fast-paced, modern world? Merely organizing church events or Sunday school might not suffice. Often, challenges like work schedules, personal commitments, or even the quality of church events prevent regular attendance.
The key lies in innovation. We need to craft new methods to nurture the faith of disciples. What if we harnessed the power of technology? With 72% of people preferring videos over texts and a staggering 90 million Americans tuning into podcasts monthly, the digital medium holds immense potential. We can’t forget our tech-savvy younger generation either, with 94% in the age bracket of 18-24 regularly using platforms like YouTube.
Picture this: a fledgling believer begins his day with an enlightening spiritual video, later discussing its contents over breakfast with a mentor. Families gather around their TVs, deepening their understanding of faith through digital catechisms. Commuters quench their spiritual thirst by tuning into podcasts that delve into scriptures.
Such innovative approaches can bridge the gap between the Word and our modern lives. By embedding Christ’s teachings into our daily routines, we not only understand but live His teachings.
When disciples truly internalize and showcase Christ’s teachings, we’ll stand as beacons of hope, presenting an alternative, Christ-centered way of life to the world. It is then that we shine brightest, like a city on a hill, radiating God’s glory for all to see.
