For the last 35 years the above question has served me well. Early on in ministry as a young pastor my plate was already full when the church leaders approached me about teaching a college class. Our church was located only a few miles from the University of Iowa so it made sense to give college students some of my focus. I replied, “I will teach it on one condition, if I don’t need to prepare a lesson in advance.” Amidst a few raised eyebrows they gave me their blessing. During this time it became more evident to me that we as a church, and Christians in general, were becoming addicted to being taught and not learning to use what we already knew. People wanted to talk more about what we ought to be doing.

The Bible refers to that as becoming “hearers only.” So, I wanted to be tested on what I already knew, while at the same time exemplify to the students how to “be ready to give an answer…” So, each class began with the question, “What is God doing in your life?” Students would speak up but invariably one in the crowd would become the focus as providentially what they were going through and how to deal with it Biblically would become our lesson. It was usually something intense and so together we would look at Scripture for principled direction and peace. What amazed me is how fresh and dynamic the time was even while not having a clue what would come up. This was amazing on several fronts as we learned while doing, leaning on each other, while together looking to our Heavenly Father and His Word.

How often do we feel so alone and forget we are all in this together. This is exactly where we are the most vulnerable and exactly where the enemy wants us to be. Learning to share each others burdens is a Scriptural teaching, “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). While learning to act on our feet spiritually as we consider the other person’s current situation, we are also helping to lighten another’s load. We were all learning together while ministering to this person. The investment in that group of students became one of my favorite activities. Out of that group came many opportunities for discipleship and more, bearing fruit to this day.

My concern for us today is that we have become quite accomplished hearers and quite often are already well aware of what is being taught, yet somehow we liken that to doing. Hearing and doing are not the same, as God measures differently. Our Christian calling will not be accomplished unless we become “doers of the Word, not hearers only.” (James 1:22) I work at incorporating these principles as I disciple men. We work on life together. Supernaturally and sovereignly, God uses our circumstances filtered through His Word to teach us. So, I ask them, “What is God doing in your life?” We can sit around and talk about it or attend a class on it, but real Christianity is learned by doing. That is real discipleship! Jesus said, ”Go and make disciples! So, that is what I do. All the while, I am learning as I am doing. Aren’t we glad when we take our burdens to the Lord in prayer that He is not a hearer only?! What is God doing in your life?

I am still enjoying the many opportunities God gives me to build into lives. Thank you for helping me do that with all your love, and prayers, and financial support! May God bless you for it!

Love from above, Keith 141Ministry.com