Discipleship the Asian Way

We live in a fast-food, fast-everything age. Bosses who want things the day before set the pace in our work. Instant noodles encourage us to not to waste time with our meals. The microwave oven made huge inroads into cooking time. I am sure you can think of more examples.

But one thing that cant be rushed is discipleship.

In the West, courses are held, lecture style. At the end of submitted assignments, you get a qualification. Then we address people as Doctor so-and-so, with a theological degree. It seems like we honour more the people who get diplomas and degrees for being able to complete essays and theses. We seem to be seen as holy and more of a disciple of Jesus when we have letters of the alphabet before or after our name.

But I am not convinced that this is the Jesus way.

Yes He was called Rabbi. But that was because He taught and lived what He taught. He took His students with Him and they lived and breathed alongside Him. They learned real life, theology, and doctrine all rolled together.

You can call it mentoring or discipleship. More and more the Western world feels that this is the way to go. We have now institutions set up for that as well! I know, because I was signed up for one!

But at the end of the day, when the rubber hits the road, it all boils down to who we are behind closed doors.

With Jesus, He took His disciples with Him behind closed doors.

Do we dare to do likewise?

Ought we not do likewise?