I recently read an article that talked about magpies and their penchant for collecting shiny things and sticking them in their nest, never to be used again.
The author makes the comparison of how humans, like magpies, collect things but never use them. This is the quote that stuck out to me and it may resonate with you too,
As Christians and Pastors, I would change the last line to,
"The clarity we're after is through doing"
Youth Pastors spend a lot of time talking about discipleship, and like magpies, collecting bits of information in the form of
Books
Tiktok and IG videos
Articles
Curriculum/Lessons
all to teach kids about discipleship, but never really executing on the doing of discipleship. So, we collect more information when we should be doing more doing.
Ask yourself,
"When was the last time I changed my program or calendar where I put my students in a position to live (practice, hold to) the gospel vs simply listening to the gospel?"
It is in the doing that we get clarity about what it means to follow Jesus, not in the collecting of information about discipleship.
By following Jesus, Peter got clarity
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Matt. 16:16
By following Jesus, Thomas got clarity
Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas replied, “My Lord and my God!”… John 20:27
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8: 31,32
Clarity comes in the doing.
Hope you're having a great summer,
Paul
P.S.
If you're interested in more doing, I did write a book that is not just theory about discipleship but offers a practical, short term, discipleship program that will get your kids doing and not just listening.