Chaplain's Corner

R ecently, in a 7 th & 8 th grade Bible class we spent time studying some of the qualities that Jesus asked of his disciples. It didn’t take long for us to notice the strong directives that Jesus set forth for those who would choose to follow him. Themes such as “do not be afraid” leapt off the pages of God’s word (Luke 8:50, Luke 12:32, Matthew 14:27, John 14:27). Deny ourselves and take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23). Be willing to leave behind everything for the cause of Christ, even to the point of losing family and self for the sake of full surrender to Jesus and his work (Matthew 19:29, Luke 14:26).

It is easy to get lost in the extremeness of the message that calls us to sacrifice our most prized possessions for the mission of Jesus and miss the true message that is in the midst of these strong words. It is really quite simple. Jesus is better.

Jesus is better than any relationship we have. Jesus is better than any possession we own. Jesus is better than any status we achieve. Jesus is better than any dream fulfilled. Jesus is better than anything that this world has to offer. When we fully grasp that Jesus is better - it no longer feels like sacrifice but more like an infinite investment in joy and perfect love.

I am regularly burdened by the fear that our students’ faith is often more defined by tradition, familiarity, morality, family or behavior than it is by a genuine deep-rooted love for the person of Jesus, who is infinitely better than any want or desire we could muster up in our sinfulness.

What does it take to establish faith that is not only willing to endure persecution, but as Paul states, to actually rejoice in our sufferings (Romans 5), while having the knowledge that the cost of being a disciple is worth it? These are not easy questions, but these are questions that every Christian family and institution must ask themselves.

The purpose of faith is not to produce comfort but commitment.

Does your faith disrupt your family life? Because it should. Does your faith lend itself to sacrifice? Because it should. Does your faith make you uncomfortable? Because it should.

Does your faith come at a cost? These are marks of disciples.

If CHA and families are truly in partnership to develop fully-devoted followers of Jesus, we must never shy away from speaking and genuinely modeling the message at both school and home—there is a cost to following Jesus, and the cost is worth it, every time. Because Jesus is better.

Near the end of our class time we viewed a short video clip of Christians living in Pakistan and the reality of the cost of following Christ for many of our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world. Without any fancy churches, without sound systems, without significant resources, and without safety, they commit to serving Christ. From the earthly view, they would benefit from conforming and denying Jesus, but they know that Jesus is better. Despite being considered second-class citizens due to their faith, they find joy in the person of Jesus and consider the cost worth it.

Perspective is often an interesting agent for change and reflection. November 4, was the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. I find that this annual event is a great opportunity for us all to take a moment and consider if our faith is capable of enduring the cost of discipleship.

I do not claim to know all the best strategies for establishing and building life-long committed faith in people, but I do know that our goal must be more than just church attendance and good behavior. Our goal must be that we truly desire to take up our cross and follow Jesus daily, while believing with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength that Jesus is better and He is worth it.

Are you striving to make your kids believers or disciples?

Let’s commit to doing the harder work and partner in this new year to model disciplelike living. Let’s pursue developing a faith in our children that goes beyond belief and makes disciples!

Pastor Todd Kardell, Chaplain