Cabin Fever

Today could be quick. I'm eager to get out of the introduction and on to the material. I'm also in a cabin in the mountains. Hence this could be short.

Honestly there are only two subjects left to discuss in the introduction. One is the author's beliefs about the Bible, which I happen to agree with, and the other is his discussion of his other works, which I have already discussed.

Yet, hidden within these seemingly innocent discussions of other works of literature, the author throws in this meaty spiritual appetizer:

"Actual discipleship or apprenticeship to Jesus is, in our day, no longer thought of as in any way essential to faith in him. It is regarded as a costly option, a spiritual luxury, or possibly even an evasion. Why bother... with a conversational relationship with God? Let us get on with what we have to do."

Read that one more time. Do you agree? When you think of a Christian, do you think of an apprentice of Jesus? Be honest, is that the first thing that comes to mind? I completely agree with his terminology: a spiritual luxury. So, in other words, when you call yourself a "little Christ", you aren't actually trying to become like Jesus in every way. It's just label, a word implying status and beliefs and actions. An apprentice seems so mid-evil. Yet it also seems appropriate. When we become Christians, we are following the footsteps of Jesus. We are trying to become more like him in every way. We are learning from him and his life. Or at least... we should be. Yet that is considered a 'luxury'? How? Why? Have we abandoned the very meaning of the name we inanely claim?

Perhaps. But there is hope.

"The really good news for humanity is that Jesus is now taking students in the master class of life. The eternal life that begins with confidence in Jesus is a life in his present kingdom, now on earth and available to all."

While we may no longer be apprenticing under him, Jesus is still teaching, offering a course on life itself. Interested in how to get through this world better? Wonder why things happen? Curious why you're here? You have a teacher available. Classes cost your life, but they also reward you with a new one on graduation. Why not sign up to get a degree that counts for something.

Next Week: Chapter 1 in the master class of life. I bid you good reading.