My Curious Question Explained
The answers to the one question I’m most curious about guide my life and ministry. Here it is:
“How can we journey with Jesus better?”
I’ll break that question down and show what I’m up to.
“?” The question mark taps into my honesty and curiosity. I've journeyed with thousands of people over the years, pastoring, coaching, discussing, studying at a Ph.D. level and serving with the poorest of the poor. I don’t know all the answers, but I’m searching. I’m exploring my encounters with Jesus and my meditations in the Bible. I’m also researching the experiences of others and the teachings of scholars and contemplatives, many of whom are much more qualified than me. I'm a player-coach who leads and learns.
“How” reveals the quest for strategy, application, and things we can do. The Holy Spirit’s job is to empower and transform us. Our job is to partner with him. I pray and look primarily into God’s Word for guidance and truth, but I also find help from other travelers, past and present. It's not what we know but what we do with what we know.
"We" reminds us that friendships and community are vital to our health and growth. We're better together. No one survives or succeeds alone. No one can read their own label, so we need others to point to our blind spots and remind us of our unique beauty and abilities. Safe relationships encourage risk. Sharpening ones to spur growth. "We" also highlights that the way of Jesus is for everyone.
“Journey” clarifies Christianity. We become Christians by giving our allegiance to Jesus—asking for forgiveness and committing to follow him wherever he leads, forever. Christians aren’t people who only know teachings, believe doctrines, or say a once-and-done prayer. Christianity is a journey with Jesus—becoming like him and joining him in what he does. Being a Christian means being a disciple, an apprentice, a Christ-follower.
“With Jesus” reminds us this is a relational journey. It’s not religion. It’s not bowing to an idea, ideal, or system. The journey is with and for our God, our Savior, our Lord, Jesus Christ. It’s relational and transformational. While being with Jesus is a joy and comfort, we journey with him to become like him. Christlikeness is the ultimate goal of our discipleship. Being like Jesus in our character allows us to live the life he would live if he were us. Christlike character frees us to flourish.
“Better” is encouragement. We’re not expecting perfection. We don’t radically change overnight. We don’t need to know everything today. We’ll never fully understand or faultlessly follow. But we can improve regularly. The journey offers many opportunities for growth and happiness and allows us to wake up every day expecting something new and adventurous. Success is simply moving forward in the journey by being faithful today. And then again tomorrow. The farther we go, the more we learn, the more beautiful vistas open, and the better we get at knowing, growing, and going with Jesus.