An essay published on Magnolia Tribune argues that Christians are always being discipled and that anything or anyone receiving more attention than Christ displaces him as Lord, the author wrote.
The author said a friend once told him, “We are all being discipled,” and added that the difference lies in who is doing the discipling. The essay cites Micah 4:5 to note that ancient peoples worshiped different gods, and quotes Micah 6:8: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
The author recounted a personal experience in which athletics threatened to dominate his life. He wrote that 50 years ago he was a nationally ranked discus thrower at the University of Kansas and once wore a “Throwing for Jesus” T-shirt. As the sport began to monopolize his attention, he said he felt he was being discipled by the sports world until a dramatic encounter with the Lord led him to recommit his heart to Christ.
The essay warns modern believers that favorite teams, careers, hobbies, investments or politics can distract and stunt spiritual growth. “We are all in discipleship relationships today,” the author wrote, asking readers, “Who or what is shaping your life?” The piece appeared on Magnolia Tribune.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
