I took a pickleball class earlier this year, and I’ve been playing once a week since then. I’m inconsistent in my playing, and I’d like to improve. I enjoy the sport and I want to feel, at some point, that I’m not a beginner. So. I did the only thing I knew to do besides continuing to play. I signed up for a pickleball clinic.
Two days a week. Two hours each day. For three weeks. That’s a total of twelve hours trying to improve my pickleball skills. There were eight of us in the class, and we were drilled by our instructor on specific moves and positions and serves. We were a sweaty bunch in motion. We didn’t move in coordination or unison, but move we did. Some were experienced beginners and others were very much beginners. To say the least, the difference was obvious. I was happy to be in the more experienced group of the lot of us, but I was still far from perfect.
We learned. We practiced. We drilled. We failed. We tried again. And again. We were coached on how to improve our game. To be honest. By the end of the clinic, I saw minimal improvement in my playing, but the instructor and his helpers told us they had seen definite improvement in all of us. Do they just say that to everyone? Would I say the effort was a failure on my part? No way. It was an eye opener. It was a reminder of how far I’ve come and how far I have to go. I’m not trying to become a professional. I’ve just found a hobby that I enjoy.
Some may wonder why I play. As I’m growing older, my body needs to remember how to move and maneuver. I need to be agile and be able to twist and turn and get up and down comfortably, sometimes on short notice. And pickleball keeps me moving. It’s good for me. It’s fun, and it challenges and humbles me all at the same time. It’s a worthwhile effort.
I had an injury last week while playing. Oh. It hasn’t stopped me, but I’m cautious about my moves. I was told to ice my leg, so that’s what I’m doing. I try not to overdo it when I feel the muscle tighten. I’m not an athlete, so I’m not really sure what’s the right or wrong thing to do. But I’ll keep moving as long as I can.
Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23
Here are some definitions of discipleship that I found this week. Groundwork Bible Study says that discipleship is the process of learning to love and follow Jesus and becoming more like him in our attitudes and actions. Got Questions defines Christian discipleship as one who puts Jesus first, obeys the Lord, produces good fruit, loves others, and makes more disciples. Navigators tells us that discipleship is basically a journey of spiritual growth. Regardless of how we define it, when we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we begin a lifelong journey of learning and becoming more like him everyday. That doesn’t mean that we don’t need guidance and mentoring from believers who have been on this path of Christianity for many years and have weathered the storms of life through the lens of the Bible. We need all the help and discipleship we can get.
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20
Just as I can’t become a better pickleball player unless I discipline myself to learn the game and practice it, I can’t become a more mature Christian disciple unless I grow in my relationship with Christ. I do that by reading my Bible, spending time in prayer, attending church, and fellowshipping with and studying the Bible with fellow believers. Discipleship is the transforming process of becoming more like Christ in everything I do and say. My worldview which can be shaped by my social and cultural experiences must be converted into a biblical worldview. This only happens by choosing to process the world and everything in it from a biblical lens. We must undo any learning that tells us the gospel must somehow support cultural preferences. Our preferences and beliefs must be shaped by the Word of God alone.
Discipleship and mentoring is an important part of our Christian walk. We must surround ourselves with mature believers who can guide us and instruct us biblically when we have doubts or questions about our faith.
So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. Colossians 1:28-29
Have you ever seen the changing of the guard ceremony at the tomb of the unknown soldier? It is very solemn and moving. Those soldiers move in precision. No mistake in their gait. Their attention to detail is impressive. Their uniforms are immaculate. They are a well trained lot of the finest men and women in the military. Their job is highly regarded and coveted. Oh. These soldiers weren’t randomly selected. They are handpicked. And then they train rigorously. Many who begin the training program do not complete it.
If you’ve studied this fine group of soldiers, you will learn there are six distinct roles. There are six different levels of responsibility at the tomb. Oh. I’ve seen the changing of the guard in person, but I didn’t notice those specifics. But I’ve since read those details about the platoon.
These soldiers weren’t assigned to their positions by chance. They studied and drilled and worked hard to achieve this lifetime assignment. It’s a role few can add to their resume, and it is impressive. Just as they have had to work hard for this superior assignment, so too must we believers work hard on our faith to develop a close relationship with our Lord. Oh. It isn’t the same type of work. It isn’t the same responsibility. But there is a rigorous training in order to prove oneself fit for the Lord’s service. We can’t shirk the responsibilities of discipleship once we’ve made the commitment to serve Christ. We can’t repent of our sins and then do nothing to strengthen our faith. There is a price to pay and a sacrifice to make. We must take up our cross daily and follow the Savior of the world. Who knows. We may be in a position someday to mentor the next generation of new believers. Let’s prepare for that important task while we still have time.
Mercy for the Day 