“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach…” Acts 1:1
Preparation is necessary, essential and indispensable. I believe in it. In schools, colleges and universities it is engrained in the minds of students that preparation is vital to success. Although I believe in it, I don’t believe in the mode in which it is taught. In these institutions preparation is first taught in theory before its put into practice. The model of apprenticeship is made to appear antiquated; “on-the-job training” is left for “lesser types” of institutions of learning such as tech schools and such.
When Jesus gathered his disciples he immediately engaged them to an on-the-job training mode of education and preparation. When I was in school, I was “taught” and then I had to “do”- by myself. And then I realized that a lot of what I was taught I couldn’t apply in my field anyhow. On the other hand, Jesus “did” – and later he “explicated.” And as He was “doing” he also had His disciples “do” as well and after it was over, he then corrected, explained and taught.
We have adopted the “ready, set, go!” mentality in all that we do; but unfortunately the kingdom of God doesn’t operate that way. The truth of the matter is that in just about everything, in our minds, we will never be ready enough to start. When can we ever be ready enough to marry? When can we be ever ready enough to have children? What about ready enough to engage in God’s purpose and do God’s will? In the kingdom of God, it should always be “GO, set, ready!” The best and only type of preparation should come in learning from mentors and spiritual fathers on the field and not just in laboratories or libraries.
The essence of Christianity is not explained as a noun but a verb! The first two letters of “GOSPEL” is “GO!” As we GO we will learn. It’s after we begin that we become skilled at. It’s time that we eliminate our excuses and start to maximize our opportunities!
What are you waiting for?!?! The race has already began – Let’s GO!
