Discipleship Considered (Intro)

Discipleship Considered (Preface)

I was raised in a Welsh valley at a time when most people treasured a ‘good name’. They valued integrity, honesty, sincerity, goodness, fidelity, courage, justice, industry. It was important to be considered virtuous and kind. They had this in common with much of the U.K. and to some degree it was a reflection of Christian values. But now, in many ways, things have changed, especially in business. It seems for the majority of people, it is now thought more important to be successful, rather than virtuous. The wise man of Israel, Solomon, suggested that people usually pursue power, pleasure and possessions. Certainly, there are some who deem themselves successful leaders, and who measure it in these terms. The public often consider successful living in these terms also, although pleasure and possessions are highest on the list. Unfortunately, this culture has invaded the Church. Some ministers, who themselves seem to be successful, preach a gospel that suggests a Christian should be healthy and wealthy. They sometimes offer a God who will be your personal banker, doctor and counsellor and suggest there are actions that you can take that will unlock untold riches for you. There are experiences available that will turn you into a super-successful individual. And, in many cases, the people that offer these benefits have personality – they are good communicators; but some are not far removed from the charlatans that sold indulgences in the Middle Ages. At that time, and in that culture, sins could be forgiven for a sum of money. Make a few changes to that ancient heresy to accommodate the differences in culture, that is, don’t offer forgiveness but replace it with prosperity and the doctrine is still around today.

Personality does not compensate for lack of Christian character

One of our problems is that some of the flourishing churches with the largest following are led by people who, while they are personable and project a successful image, are morally weak. In those countries where the ‘health and wealth’, ‘name it and claim it’, doctrines have had their most fertile ground, evangelists arose who made large promises in return for a contribution towards what was loosely called, ‘the Lord’s work’. But, in the view of many, it was style without substance. Some have had very public falls. They had got by on personality for decades while inherent Christian character was lacking.

God looks at the heart

When Samuel was directed to Bethlehem to anoint a new king of Israel he made the mistake of looking at the outward appearance. Eliab, the eldest son of Jesse, was a most imposing figure of a man, with a name that would suit a king of God’s chosen people. But he was not God’s choice; his heart was not tuned to the spiritual. Samuel’s mistake has given us a very memorable verse of Scripture. “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). The key to service has always been, and will always be, a heart that reflects the concerns of the Lord. As we are aware, God’s choice at that time was David, who already had a heart hunger for God. Paul interprets the Old Testament narrative in his speech at Pisidian Antioch. He said, God “raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will’” (Acts 13:22).

The problem, of course, is not new. Jesus complained that the Pharisees were totally concerned with appearance while neglecting inner righteousness. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matt. 23:27, 28). So serious was this hypocrisy that a case could be made to argue that it was the root cause of the rejection and crucifixion of Christ. Certainly, both Sadducees and Pharisees pursued power, pleasure and possessions to the detriment of honesty, integrity, virtue, honour, and fair-play.

It is true that we need to have leaders who are good communicators, and who can influence people, but these are secondary, not primary traits. If the character is insincere and duplicitous, in the end no amount of rhetoric will help. In my opinion, only goodness gives energy to relationships, employment, family and church life. The lives of the Pharisees were focussed on the outward – “that they may be seen by men” (Matt.6:5; 23:5 (see also Matt.6:2; 6:16)) as Jesus said. A life focussed on the outward may fool fellow believers, even Christian leaders, but will only end in tears. You have to pay the price that Christianity demands, day in and day out, to achieve inner peace and benefit from the blessings provided by the Saviour