There are far too many people who look like they’re winning at the «Christian life» while their souls are starving. They show up, they sing, and they know the right words to say. But they are exhausted. They feel like they’re chasing a ghost or trying to pass a test they never studied for. Often, the church has failed them. Following Jesus is frequently presented as a polished curriculum to graduate from, rather than a daily crucifixion of the ego.
Discipleship is often discussed as if it’s a twelve-week course with a certificate at the end. It isn’t. It’s a long, gritty obedience in the same direction. It’s the salt of sweat in the eyes and the rough wood of a cross on the shoulder. It is common to fail at this by thinking faith can be managed from a distance without letting it touch the parts of life kept for oneself. But Jesus doesn’t want just a Sunday morning; He wants Monday morning, the bank account, and the secrets buried deep.
The Cost of a Half-Hearted Yes
In years of ministry observation, a common pattern emerges: people who want the Savior but have no interest in the Lord. To clarify what discipleship means, one must look at the biblical definition of a disciple. A disciple is not a student taking notes in the back of a room. A disciple is an apprentice who wants to become exactly like the Master, even if it hurts.
When Jesus called the fishermen, He didn’t hand them a syllabus or a handbook. He told them to leave their nets. He asked for their livelihood, their identity, and their comfort. If faith hasn’t cost anything lately, there is a risk of being a fan of Jesus, not a follower. Fans cheer from the stands where it’s safe. Disciples get onto the field and get hit. It’s messy. It’s painful. And it’s the only way to truly live.
More Than a Sunday Seat
It is a mistake to think that merely checking boxes leads to growth. True spiritual growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum or a lecture hall. It happens when a person allows others to see the mess. This is where the ministry behind mentorship is found.
Mentorship is simply one person who’s been down the road a bit longer reaching back a hand to say, «That rock has caused many trips; here is how to get around it.» This journey is not meant to be traveled alone. Humans were not built for isolation. Christian mentoring has often been turned into a formal program, but in the Bible, it was life on life. It was sharing bread. It was walking on dusty roads.
Where the Real Work Happens
For those wondering how to start following Jesus in the boring, quiet parts of the day, here’s the hard truth: every small choice is where the training happens. Discipleship isn’t what happens in the sanctuary; it’s how a spouse is spoken to during exhaustion and frustration. It’s how a boss who treats employees like numbers is handled, or what is done with thoughts when no one is watching. These aren’t just distractions, they are the classrooms of the Spirit.
It is often necessary to relearn this and stop trying to look perfect and simply start being faithful. At The Mentoring Project, the belief is that these practical realities, the Christian life skills that actually matter, are the foundation of a life well-lived. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present and being willing to be changed.
The road is narrow, and some days it is lonely. But it is the only road that leads to a life that actually tastes like life. Another sermon is often less necessary than a brother or sister to walk alongside. For those looking for a place to start or honest tools for the journey, the work at The Mentoring Project is available. On the website, free Life Skills guides are available to read or listen to. They aren’t magic formulas. They are just honest words for people who are tired of pretending and ready to start walking. Join the movement. It is time to learn how to follow Him together.
