Figuring out what I learned this week was easy enough; it was deciding on how to write it that posed a bit of a problem. So I’ll first let you know how I learned it, then transition into a better example, and finally connect all the pieces. If you get bored of the next paragraph, you can skim it.

This weekend I spent a lot of time playing Kerbal Space Program. For the uninitiated, this is a realistic space flight simulator in which you take control of a NASA like organization on the planet Kerbal. You get to build rockets, launch into orbit, land on the Mün or other planets, and crash A LOT. Being somewhat realistic, it has a steep learning curve. You have to learn how to build rockets efficiently enough to get into space, learn how to get into orbit, etc. I had been learning all the basics, even starting to build my own Space Station, when a friend gave me an add-on that does the basics for you. Suddenly I was able to stop worrying about the basics, which had gotten me quite far, and begin looking to larger goals.

Hopefully you will see how this gets me to my realization but just in case let me give another example. Take learning how to drive a manual transmission. At first, there is a lot to worry about: What gear am I in? How long until I shift? Three peddles?! Nevertheless, with lots of practice, growing confidence and brains that are amazing enough to take over, one is able to head out on the roads and start exploring the neighborhood and beyond.

What does this have to do with anything? Well, I believe that this is a good analogy to faith. One of the greatest challenges facing the western church, the only one I have enough knowledge of to comment on, is a severe lack of discipleship, which stems from an individual’s shallow understanding of their faith, the character of God, and general theology. I’m not saying everyone needs to become a scholar to be a good Christian, but a sizable chunk of the Church are still staring at their feet. They know if they start to learn, if they learn to drive the car well enough, then a whole new realm of responsibility opens up.

In our car metaphor, it means you have to follow the rules of the road, give people rides, and teach others how to drive. In terms of Christianity, it means we have to follow Christ’s example, be a light to others, and share the good news. Some people don’t want to do any of that for any number of reasons. Unlike Kerbal Space Program, there is no shortcut, or a machine to do it for you. Even cruise control won’t keep you on the road. And the problem is that if you don’t drive, you aren’t really a driver. In the same way, if you don’t follow Christ…

Well, I don’t want to overstep my place too much.

Pax,

-Paul Hart C