Jesus said: “A pupil is not above his teacher, but everyone, after he has been fully trained will be like his teacher” [Luke 6:40].
In the New Testament sense, being a Christian or Christ follower, is far more than simply believing certain historical facts about Jesus. It includes, or at least should include, the very important foundational idea of desiring, even longing to become progressively more like Him in our character, and thus in our behavior.
Training normally involves the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and character, collectively suited to the role or job required of the trainee. The greater precision of execution required of the apprentice, the more rigorous and detailed will be the training. You would not expect a medical student/resident training to become a brain surgeon, to be cavalier, careless, or indifferent about his education and skill development. If he was, you likely would not want that surgeon to ever operate on you or your loved one!
But what does it really mean for a Christ follower to be ‘fully trained’? Again, training implies the acquisition of some type or level of knowledge, along with the ability to use that knowledge in practical ways. Accumulation of knowledge alone, is not the goal here, but rather the ability to apply that knowledge to specific circumstances including life and relational challenges. Being ‘fully trained’ implies we model more and more consistently in our values, attitudes, and actions, what we have absorbed from our Master Teacher.
CHARACTER MATTERS
In the secular world, noble character is not, I suggest, always as critical as is possessing extraordinary skills. This seems especially true in professional sports and even politics. Certainly, there are limits to how ‘low’ or corrupt a person can behave who is still allowed to retain his status, but in much of life, skills is ‘where the money’ is.
Much of the New Testament addresses the issue of the practical application of theological truths. Correct biblical knowledge is very important to a growing Christ follower, but knowledge alone is not deemed as worthy of high esteem or value [‘knowledge puffs up’ -I Cor 8:1] as is noble character [II Peter 1:5-9]-a character that more and more exemplifies our Master Teacher, the Lord Jesus. Biblical skills [e.g. teaching for example] are valued but the scriptural emphasis appears to be more on character, especially a love-filled one. A character that arises from a transformed mind [Romans12:1-2]; a mind that enables us to think differently, so as to adjust our responses and initiatives in our daily life to look like, or better said, to BE like Jesus.
It takes a lot of work to become a skilled surgeon or Olympic champion athlete. It also takes work to become more like Jesus, but ‘work’ of a different kind-a kind of ‘soulish’ work. A work deep within our inner person. A work of rooting out via the Holy Spirit’s help, those ugly abscesses in our soul that infect and poison our character and hinder our displaying the grace and truth embodied in Jesus.
NAÏVE OR JUST CONTENTED TO COAST?
We would likely consider someone naïve at best, or even incredibly foolish if they believed they could become a highly successful Olympic -quality runner without great effort and self-discipline along with training under the eye of a skillful coach. Running ‘casually’ does not produce champions. But are we all called to become ‘spiritual’ Olympic champions? Well, sort of but not exactly. We are each gifted in different ways and each of us has different levels of natural abilities, intellect, and so forth. And the scriptures declare that ‘to whom much is given, much will be required’ [Lk 12:48]. But we are all called to ‘run the race’ that is set before each of us [see Hebrews 12:1-3]. It would also seem likely we each have more ‘raw material’ within us that could be developed into the character and heart of Christ that seems to be languishing due to our neglect. Perhaps a neglect caused by our contentment with our own level of spiritual growth-a zeal for growth that might fairly be called lukewarm [Revelation 3:15-16] as to our zeal and desire to know Christ more deeply, and mediocre at best in our motivation to follow and serve Him. Frankly, as is obvious, some people have relatively little motivation in this earthly life. Others are greatly motivated regarding the concerns and issues of this life, but display little motivation in their Christian life other than attend a church gathering occasionally. Would my Lord say of me, that I have a steady zeal, guided by wisdom to know Christ more deeply and become fully trained by Him? [Phill 3:10]. Am I eager to learn His ways in dealing with people, both friend and foe? Like Him, am I ready to pursue deeper relational closeness with the Father, or does such an idea scare me away? Am I contented to ‘follow’ Jesus from a ‘safe’ distance? Am I contented to spiritually ‘coast’? Have I decided that how ‘far’ I have come spiritually is ‘good enough’? Am I satisfied with the degree of my conformity to the character of Christ? Has my striving to know Him more deeply and obey Him more fully dried up, even ceased? These are sobering and rather disturbing questions for me.
If you were asked these questions, how would you answer them?
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ but do not do what I say” [Luke 6:46]
CJS
Very interesting question. I am to love and spread love. It is much better to love than to hate and I think a lot easier n my judgement: it is of course best not to judge at all but as humans that is difficult but doable. We need to keep trying and never give up. As to how well I am trained in the ways of the Lord it is not for me to say.