But was it all it was meant to be? Merriam Webster defines theology as this: the studies of religious faith, practice, and experience, the study of God and of God’s relation to the world.
Note the emphasis on practice. I became deprived of seeing the need to follow a mentor, one who is living out, wrestling with and eventually finding direction in the faith. I could look up Greek words, discus the error of the ways of other faith understandings and defend my positions but was this all and good?
In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach,
(Acts 1:1 ESV)
Note the italics. Action was always implied in my learning. It was obeying what I had learned. I now have come to a new realization. Jesus could have whipped out his doctrine in an afternoon but he chose a different path. He chose to live among us.
I don’t mean for one to neglect the academics but this is just one half of the education, and one might argue the easiest aspect of becoming a disciple.
A faith walk implies moving from one place to another. I have traveled some distance. I have come to read the Great Commission with greater depth. That little tag on at the end, and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age, takes on a whole new meaning. I pray that we begin to teach like Jesus and come up alongside people and show them what Jesus did and taught.
Now go make disciples!
-Kim Gasaway (Los Angeles)
Leave a Reply