Discomfort

By Pastor Paul Gauche

Today’s Word: ‘Discomfort’… as in 182 of the most discomforting words I’ve read today.

Dietrich continues to challenge us to think through the meaning of discipleship. To be a disciple: What does that mean? How do we go about that? I have to confess that often my idea of discipleship is not discipleship at all. That is a very uncomfortable place to be. But that discomfort can be helpful. It has something to teach if we’re willing to learn and then act.

Here is what Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes:

“Discipleship is commitment to Christ. Because Christ exists, he must be followed. An idea about Christ, a doctrinal system, a general religious recognition of grace or forgiveness of sins does not require discipleship. In truth, it even excludes discipleship; it is [hostile] to it. One enters into a relationship with an idea by way of knowledge, enthusiasm, perhaps even by carrying it out, but never by personal obedient discipleship. Christianity without the living Jesus Christ remains necessarily a Christianity without discipleship; and a Christianity without discipleship is always a Christianity without Jesus Christ. It is an idea, a myth. A Christianity in which there is only God the Father, but not Christ as a living Son actually cancels discipleship. In that case there will be trust in God, but not discipleship. God’s Son became human, he is the mediator—that is why discipleship is the right relation to him. Discipleship is bound to the mediator, and wherever discipleship is rightly spoken of, there the mediator, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is intended. Only the mediator, the God-human, can call to discipleship.” —Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Discipleship, page 59

How do these words challenge you? How do these words cause discomfort in you? Pay attention to that discomfort. What is it trying to teach you?

#100days50words

Paul Gauche is the Pastor of Life Transitions at Prince of Peace. His posts are part of his #100days50words project, where he blogs about a different word each week. You can follow his project on Instagram (@pgauche) or on his blog, Thriving Rhythms.