Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

WHICH WAY IS FORWARD?

Which way is forward? This may seem a silly question on the surface, but the answer is not so simple and clear as one might wish it to be. Motion may not always be forward, and not knowing the difference can be disastrous. Let an automobile race illustrate the point.

An automobile cross country race hosted many contestants. Each car had a driver and a navigator. The race route was through difficult terrain. One car was decidedly ahead of the others when an unmarked crossroads was approached. The driver demanded to know which way to go. The navigator said he did not know. He said that he was so sure that they would never be in the lead that he neglected to study the route. There were roads to take, but two of the three would not take them forward to their goal.

Another unlearned driver was proud of his just acquired automobile. He was so proud that he wanted to show his buddies that he could out race them. In the course of his attempt, the car came apart. To hear him tell it, he put the gear shift lever into “D” for “drag.” As he picked up speed, he realized he was not outrunning his buddies in their cars, so he shifted the lever into “R” for “Race” and that is when it all started to come apart, so he quickly shifted it into “P” for “Pass.” and that was the end of it.

Now if this appears ridiculous, just survey what makes a lot of religions “tick” and it will seem fairly sane. In short, motion or activity does not necessarily mean a person or group is making forward progress. Jesus indicated this as he described the religious generation into which He came so long ago. “And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I like the men of this generation? and to what are they like? They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.” Luke 7:31-32. They were zealous of activity for the sake of activity, rather than being zealous of practicing strict adherence to the will of the Lord so plainly revealed in the Bible. God’s viewpoint of “forward” is activity within His holy will. That kind of “forward” is inclusive of the old paths; of waiting on the Lord as described in Isa. 40:31. Then here is walking and running without weariness; a perpetual renewing of strength; the direction God calls “forward.”

There are a lot of churches, and religious groups who think they are churches, wallowing in the pitfall of well-meaning, but carnal, religious activity. Such becomes religious protocol, and it fosters a staleness that will turn embers into ice cubes. God’s ways are tried and true, and a must for every believer. They are as God told Moses, “. . . Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.” Exo. 14:15. Believers are to follow life actions designed by THE BOOK, to be assured their way really is forward!

FOR THOUGHT: Do you think a lot of modern-day church activities have little to do with implementing Bible instructions? Explain. Do you see much of the Bible as archaic and unsuited for modern times? Why? If not, why not? How important is it to you that churches and individuals claiming to be Christian stay true to Bible teachings?

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?

“But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?” Luke 10:29.

This classic question penned in Luke 10:29 was asked of Jesus by a certain lawyer. It is a question that continues to be pondered as men seek to justify themselves and/or their actions in life. Of course, it continues to be asked because men are not willing to let the simple and forthright teachings of Jesus be the final answer. However, Jesus’ answer is the final truth whether it is accepted or not.

The context of the question centers around the terms of fulfilling the Law of Moses. First, one is to love God with all his heart, then he is to love his neighbor as himself. So, who is my neighbor? To what degree am I allowed to discriminate, and still do what I should do? Think with me about what is being taught here.

Does this mean that one should run right out and find someone in need, and give him all his earthly possessions? Hardly! Should this happen on a wide scale, all commerce would stop and the whole world become immediately impoverished. Jesus did not intend that. In fact, the Bible teaches us that the lazy folks who will not work should neither eat. II Thess. 3:10. Does this mean that poverty should be eliminated in one’s local vicinity? No! Jesus said, “The poor you have with you always.” Matthew 26:11.

A true Christian should not pass up opportunities to be helpful to others genuinely in need, whoever they may be. In the “Good Samaritan story,” it was the priest and Levite who miserably failed the test. They had the opportunity and means to be helpful, but chose not to become involved. Then it was the generally despised Samaritan who actually performed the helpful deed. Realizing the unknown victim was in desperate need of a helping hand, he gladly gave it. The Samaritan realized the victim was his neighbor even though he may have never seen him before, and he was also not of his race.

Jesus’ teaching here is very plain and unmistakable. The neighbor to the unknown victim of crime was not the priest or Levite. It was the Samaritan. Jesus made the obvious application: “Go and do thou likewise.”

It really is true. What is kept, is lost. What is invested in others is kept, and it multiplies. Christians should be keenly aware of the plight of others. Those who need help the most are most likely those who will not ask for it. When opportunity knocks, it moves on if not readily answered. Opportunities are precious, and the believer should be ready to be a good neighbor.

FOR THOUGHT: In the realm of your world, do you rejoice to help others, or do you resent the idea, preferring to think that everyone should help themselves? Have you ever been in a situation of needing help? Did you get it readily, or did you feel others shy away from your need? How did those things make you feel? Who do you consider to be you neighbor?