Discipleship and community

Brad Hightower has posted some powerful observations on the mechanism of discipleship:

The mechanism of all discipleship is community. It is the community of believers and our relationships in the culture of the body of Christ through which the discipleship teachings of Jesus are delivered. The way of Jesus Christ is caught not taught. Or more precisely the mechanism for teaching is socialization in community. We learn by doing not by hearing. As we live together, we learn a new life and a new story of what it means to be truly human together.

If anyone has ever attempted to change some aspect of their character or has struggled with addictions, then you understand how difficult change is. Discipleship is about this level of dramatic change of our approach to life. Loving our enemies, not worrying about tomorrow, ceasing to lust after the world, living in love and fearlessness is a totally new way of life. I find that I personally need to be encouraged every day if I am to maintain such a spiritual perspective. It is absolutely impossible to change alone. Instead what we need is total immersion in a new culture.

So true. Growing in discipleship is perhaps the greatest blessing arising from regular attendance at corporate worship, Bible study, fellowship, and service. The principle works the same in politics, sports, academics, the arts, you name it: There's something to be said for simply hanging around with those in the community to begin thinking and living like a member of that community.