Life on Life
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:4
One of my favorite childhood memories was deer hunting with my dad and my older brother. Every fall, when the leaves start falling and the temperature starts to drop, I remember that twinkle in my dad’s eye when he would start preparing for our annual deer hunt.
I always loved the annual ritual. We would pack all our warm clothes, sight in our weapons, and get a plan for the days hunt. I can still hear my dad tell us, with a huge grin on his face, “Boys, today’s the day. Today’s the day. We’re gonna get a big one today.” He was an eternal optimist. I loved that about my dad. He passed in 2010 after a long bout with Alzheimer’s. I miss him.
During those autumn days with my dad, I most enjoyed just being around my dad and my big brother. I learned so much listening to them talk. I watched how they carried their guns, how they prepared for the hunt, and how they took the right shot at the right time. I learned so much from them by being up close to them. I could ask any question I wanted, but honestly, I learned more by watching than by information.
I’ve been thinking a lot about discipleship these days. I keep reading Jesus’ command to make disciples of every nation. As I look back on how I have grown in my walk with the Lord the past 30 + years, what I have found is that the same principles that helped me learn how to hunt, are the same ones that help people become better disciples of Jesus. Let me explain.
Life is better caught than taught. Having a close relationship with someone who is older or wiser in the things of God is vital to us growing to maturity. Mentoring relationships work best when we are meeting with our mentors up close and often.
A wise and fruitful pastor of 40 years taught me this week at the Cove that this kind of discipleship is the way Jesus taught His disciples. It is the method that makes the most sense and bears the best fruit. This wise Christian leader called this method “Life on Life Discipleship.” What a great name.
Take a minute today and thank God for those who have offered you “life on life” discipleship through the years. Think back in gratitude for the ways they got up close to you and helped you grow in your life. Consider what these wonderful friends actually did to help you mature and grow.
I pray you would consider pouring your life into someone else in a “life on life” kind of way. Who in your life is looking for help in how to do life more effectively? A young mother or dad? A young person who is struggling to find his/her way? A couple whose marriage is failing? A friend whose faith has grown cold?
How could you get up close to these folks and let them see more clearly how you do life? What would you have to give up to make room for them? How could you do a “life on life” friendship with them?
Life on Life discipleship is our primary task as the church. Let’s be proactive in helping others mature and grow. Open up your heart and schedule to pour into someone else. I think you will be amazed at the joy and rewards that come from that one proactive choice. You might hear Jesus say at some point in your future, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!” Don’t do life alone, do it with someone else and watch them grow!
Tom Camacho