Discipleship
The Priority of Discipleship–for a Lifetime
The world in general and the people of God specifically have learned much from the global pandemic over the past year.
Though the United States is emerging from the crisis through mass vaccinations (thank you President Trump for Operation Warp Speed), many nations remain in crisis. In Mongolia, the failure of the Russian and Chinese vaccines has led to new lockdowns and Soviet-like controls on the people. There are many deep-seated problems in numerous nations.
What has the Church learned from this “pause” in world history? Yes, God has pruned us, re-prioritized our focus, released new technologies and emphases, and taught us to persevere.
But the biggest lesson is the call to discipleship. It must be our clarion priority–for a lifetime. Here’s how.
Teach Us to Number Our Hours
In my early thirties I came to love the only psalm in Scripture written by Moses–Psalm 90.
The phrase in that chapter that stood out is verse twelve:
So, teach us to number our days that we may become wise (Psalm 90:12).
It means: Don’t waste time. Use your short stay on earth wisely. Be thoughtful, intentional.
Now, I am asking God to number my hours.
Fifty Years of Journaling with God
A wise New Zealander named Blythe Harper told me when I was nineteen that one of the smartest habits I could practice in life was to keep a spiritual journal.
I started practicing his advice on October 30, 1972. I have been doing it ever since.
Right now, I am looking down at the yellowed first page of that record when my handwriting was still young and vibrant, and thoughts flowed like water. I’m sure glad I heeded his advice.
That fifty-year legacy is now on-line for others to enjoy. It’s called “Ron Journal” and you can click on it here or scroll to the bottom of the usrenewal.org website page.