The terrain is rough, rivers overflow and coyotes lurk in the shadows, but the West Coast Trail is not nearly as extreme as Christ's call
On the west coast of Vancouver Island lies one of Canada's richest treasures, the British Columbia West Coast Trail-admired by many, walked by few. A traveler's interest will be captivated by the wildlife, the salt air and the grandeur of the mighty Douglas Firs.
These firs are no ordinary trees. Lining the coast, these old growth trees have a splendor all their own. The mountains are majestic, the sea is awe inspiring, but a close up encounter with those 400-foot fir trees confirms that God does all things well.
A true disciple of Jesus must shed all unnecessary weight that doesn't belong in the backpack of his soul
I'm not a biologist, but I know certain conditions are needed for trees to grow to this stature. Three constant factors in the lives of trees are rain, time and strong winds. And, as any west coast islander can attest, we're not lacking in the first category.
In the same way, a particular environment is necessary for the Christian faith to grow. True and lasting faith doesn't spring up overnight. Instead several spiritual "conditions" are worthy of our attention, especially as they relate to the mandate of making of soldier-disciples.
Discipleship Defined
The term "disciple" is not given a great deal of attention these days. Even in Christian circles, most literature speaks of nurturing "seekers," "believers" and "people of faith." Few refer to planting disciples.
While other descriptions are relevant, "disciple" is the term used by Jesus. From the calling of Peter and Andrew (Matthew 4:18) to his final commission (Matthew 28:19), Christ's purpose is to make "disciples." In the New Testament, the word "disciple" appears 269 times; the terms "Christian" and "believer" are found less than half a dozen times. If the term disciple belonged to Jesus, it must belong to us.
Disciples are learners or pupils who imitate the words, actions and lifestyle of their mentors-whose character they wish to emulate. Examples abound from the world of business to the arena of athletics where the skills and achievements of young talents are often credited to the positive influence of their instructors.
At Innovare 2006, a youth forum held at Jackson's Point last March, participants affirmed that "a disciple of Christ is foremost a follower who increasingly knows and lives out sacrificially the life of the leader (Jesus) in today's world and teaches others to do the same." What essentials are needed to adhere to Jesus' command: "Follow me'"
Guide for the Journey
Before tackling the West Coast trail, hikers are strongly advised to consult a guide who knows the terrain and the training required for such a journey. For similar reasons, Scripture encourages us to look to the examples of wise mentors for our spiritual journey.
Hebrews 12:1 describes these teachers as a "great cloud of witnesses." They aren't perfect, yet these are trail blazers have hiked ahead. In Hebrews you'll find reluctant leaders and imperfect pilgrims such as Moses, Abraham and even a prostitute named Rahab, yet in God's awesome plan they are giants of faith. Like Douglas Firs, their faith stands tall. In today's ever-changing world, we need of leaders who have gone before us and know the way.
Mentors should meet on a regular basis with their junior sojourners in the faith to discuss the training needed for spiritual growth. Rather than physical training such as stretches, exercises and wind sprints, the disciple of Christ requires exercise in the disciplines of prayer, reading and studying God's Word, staying pure and using their gifts and talents for God's glory.
Every emerging leader must find at least one trusted mentor in order to fully grow, a person that he can count on to be a trainer. We see this model lived out with Paul and Timothy in the New Testament. Jesus himself didn't teach from a classroom, yet his methods empowered 12 disciples to change the world. Today in The Salvation Army, wise disciples are grabbing hold of this same "Jesus principle" of finding a mentor.
Lightened Load
Another requirement in preparing for the west coast's grueling 77 kilometre trek is lightening the load. As one prepares an inventory, all non-essentials must be ruthlessly eliminated from the backpack. In the same way, a true disciple of Jesus must shed all unnecessary weight that doesn't belong in the backpack of his soul. In Hebrews, this superfluous load is referred to as the "sin which so easily entangles."
Jesus' command is to a life of surrender and self-death: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake, will surely find it" (Luke 9:23-24).
From the world's perspective, Christ's call is extreme. This wouldn't be the approach of someone from a Bay Street marketing firm. But Jesus is bold, honest and direct-to share in his glory, we must first share in his death.
When it comes to lightening our load, disciples must hold to Christ's teaching on repentance. Repentance includes not only the Old Testament view of standing against sin, but also the New Testament idea of making a 180-degree turn from everything that does not fit with life in God's Kingdom. This turning away affects our emotions, impacts our actions and involves surrendering our will to Jesus. Complete abandonment and obedience to his purposes allows us to follow with a lightened load. Hear the words of Jesus: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for my yoke is easy and my burden light."
For some disciples in the Bible, following Jesus came readily (see Matthew 4:18-21), but for others the struggle to eliminate the non-essentials proved too much. One was the rich young ruler who sized up the words 'come follow' (see Matthew 19:21) and, in the end, could not surrender.
Last February, a double gold medalist at the Winter Olympics shared a wise observation. Cross country skier Kristina Smigun, the pride of her homeland Estonia, was asked the secret of her success. With candor, she admitted: "It's not always the strong ones that win. In the end, it's those who are less tired." In surrendering all to Jesus, he gives us not a quick fix, but a steady dose of strength for the journey.
Tough Terrain and Predators
Like the B.C. foot trails, the Christian walk is not a well manicured path. Along the way a disciple will experience doubt, discouragement, envy and other detractors, just like the protagonist Christian in the classic book Pilgrim's Progress. Turning back will be a constant temptation and, sadly, the epitaph of too many disciples.
The West Coast Trail is a healthy reminder of the challenges we face. The trail looks beautiful, the sights are breathtaking, yet when considering this seven-day trek, it's worth asking: "Are you willing to count the cost'" In the words of a friend, the Christian life is "no garden path." Storms loom, the terrain is rough, rivers overflow and bears, cougars and coyotes lurk in the shadows.
Jesus never promised us anything less. Discouragement will come, sometimes from the people and areas we least expect. In Christ, however, our destination is certain. He has gone ahead and persevered, for our sake, to the very end. He is "able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy" (Jude 1:24).
Although the cost is steep and predators abound, we rejoice and echo the words of Paul: "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard that which I have entrusted to Him for that day" (2 Timothy 1:12).
This summer my wife, Brenda, and I will hike the West Coast Trail. It won't be easy and will require much training. We trust our experienced guide to mentor us. We will go through the process of lightening our load before we head out. And, from all I have heard, perseverance will become part of our vocabulary.
As disciple-soldiers on a spiritual journey that lasts for eternity, our commitment cannot involve anything less. Step out and begin applying the essentials of mentoring, repentance and perseverance. Together we will stand like the mighty Douglas Firs as we follow Jesus along on the path of righteousness.
by Captain David Allen, Corps Officer, Ocean Crest Corps, Campbell River, B.C.