Bohannons

The following reflections on discipleship were written by Ben Bohannon. Ben and his wife, Katie-Lynn, (pictured here with their daughter Hanna-Grace) have been actively involved with Timothy Network since 2009. Ben is employed as an electrical engineer with Middle Tennessee Electric.

Two years ago I was introduced (or perhaps re-introduced) to the idea of pursuing God through discipleship. The premise is that early believers and followers of Christ were disciples and not merely converts or believers. A disciple learns, follows, and imitates.

I had many frustrations with my faith before this time. Through these last two years with a focused and very basic approach to growing as a disciple of Jesus Christ, however, God has revealed Himself to me in new and wonderful ways. Everything makes so much more sense. The more I work through His Word it continues to enrich my life. It shows me a more complete meaning for all that God has given us.

There’s nothing particularly “special” about the actual discipling process to which I’m referring. It is effective, however. It’s about intentionally dedicating yourself to know and serve God. It involves having someone come along side to travel the journey of being a disciple of Jesus with you.

I believe there are many barriers that can get in the way of pursuing God. Several of these had built up in my life. We have many sub-cultures around us influencing what we should think and how we should act. The Pharisees in John 9 provide a good example. A revelation I was given a few months ago pertained to the many deceptions and mis-guided ideas I had developed based on the culture I’d been a part of.

I’ve said all this to say that God’s Word is so great to dive into and better understand. Every time I read it, I see more clearly how it all comes together. God’s plan to redeem mankind is a masterpiece.

I now look back to many times when I attempted to share God’s message without first allowing Christ to fully dominate me. I think of conversations with some of you and regret that my selfish nature and personal slant on things took a stronger role in my approach to sharing God.

I’m sure I will never get it fully right, but I pray that, by God’s grace, He will work in spite of my shortcomings as the messenger. I trust that His message is greater and more penetrating than my ability to deliver it.