2-3 minute Read Time

You already know what I’m about to say. You feel it every day. Life has a way of pulling you off task.

Even though we all live in a profound busy world that constantly screams for more of our time, money, and attention, we’re also aware of the existence of a call to something greater, something that transcends the routine and mundane. It is the call to be disciples of Jesus – a call that demands more than just a passive acknowledgment on Sundays and the willingness to sit through another church service. This is an invitation to become an apprentice. A person who spends time with someone learning the ropes of what they do and how to do it. So, what does it mean to be an apprentice of Jesus? I believe it’s learning how to “walk the talk” of being a follower of Jesus Monday through Saturday. 

Consider the following apprentice stories (the names have been changed).

Consider Jill, a beacon of Christ’s love in our community. Despite the busyness that life throws her way, she extends a helping hand to her elderly neighbors (never mind the fact that she is a senior herself), embodying the essence of Jesus’ kindness. Her acts of compassion go beyond the superficial, revealing a heart attuned to the needs of others. It’s a reminder that being a disciple of Jesus Christ involves tangible expressions of love, even in the midst of our own hectic schedules.

Then there’s Davis, a young professional who is balancing the demands between work, a young family, and the necessity of spiritual growth. Rising early each day, he dedicates time to prayer and Scripture, seeking wisdom and strength for the day ahead. His intentional commitment to spiritual growth, practicing spiritual disciplines as real opportunities to grow in his faith rather than having another spiritual check list, challenges us to evaluate our own priorities and make room for the transformative power of connecting with our Lord on a daily basis.  

Dana’s journey brings us face-to-face with the daunting concept of forgiveness. Having experienced a sense of betrayal from within a close circle of friends, she chose a path less traveled – a path of forgiveness and reconciliation. Many of us can probably relate. Her story, however, serves as a beacon of God’s grace, prompting us to reflect on our own capacity for forgiveness and urging us to embrace the healing power of letting go and releasing those who’ve wronged us in exchange for the freedom and mercy of God in our own lives.

David and Latisha, a couple within our church, embody the principle of financial stewardship. Their intentional decision to forego a few extravagant pleasures for a season coupled with generous giving, demonstrate a commitment to using resources for a more Kingdom focused purpose. Their story challenges us to rethink our own relationship with money and encourages us to see financial stewardship as a fundamental part of our discipleship journey.

Our church is made up of hundreds of stories just like these. The common thread in these stories – all of ours, really – is that what binds us together is a shared commitment to daily following Jesus Christ. Friends, this isn’t a burden . . . it’s a privilege! While faithfully following Christ is a challenge to reorient our lives, it’s also a joyous undertaking that invites us to represent Christ in every facet of our lives.

As a local church seeking to continue the ongoing mission of Jesus in our community, our collective faith should be marked by joy, love, and an unwavering dedication to living as disciples of Jesus. Let the stories of these people – and those that you are in community with – serve as an inspiration and a reminder that our faith is not meant to be confined to a building but is to be lived out in the midst of our everyday interactions with others.

This is what it means to be the church, to be an apprentice of Jesus, and to walk the talk.

Go, thou and do likewise.

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