Decision vs. Disciple

Since we’ve chosen the Olympics for the theme of camp this year, I’ve given a lot of thought to the many comparisons between being an Olympic athlete and being a Christian.  It’s not hard to find verses that go along with this thought either.  Check these out:

Philippians 3:12-14

¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

One of the things that has really been sticking with me is the difference between making a decision and becoming a disciple.  If I ask the kids here at camp if they think winning a medal at the Olympics would be a cool thing, something they would like to do, most of them would raise their hand to say yes.  But we all know that that’s not how you become a medal winner.  You don’t raise your hand and do nothing else about it (or very little) and then show up at the medal ceremonies expecting to get your medal.

In the same way, I can’t ask kids to raise their hands if they want to be a Christian and let them think that that’s all they have to do.  They can’t lift their hand, pray a prayer, and then do nothing else (or very little), and then show up in heaven expecting their reward.

Continuing this idea, becoming an Olympian and becoming a Christian both do start with a decision.  For the athlete, it might have been a parent or a coach that introduced them to a sport.  After learning the basic skills, they have to continue to practice and develop in their sport.  Being an athlete will cost them – socially, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Becoming a Christian starts with a decision too.  For some of the kids here, they will have parents or teachers who have introduced them to Jesus.  But for many of them, we will be the “coach” who shows them what the Christian life is all about, and teaches them the basic skills they will need for following Jesus.  We will have to see what happens next.   Will they continue to practice and develop their spiritual self?  Will they pay the price of following Jesus?—for it will cost them socially, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Some kids have been coming to camp every summer for years.  Will we see fruit in their lives?  Will we be allowed to take them one more step along the journey of their lives with Christ? 

We shall see.