The experiment conducted by Japan in 2014 has confirmed that some perceived geniuses may not be born, but can be developed in life. A music academy in Japan recruited 24 children aged 2 to 6 and gave them intentional training with the aim of teaching them that they could do the perfect high notes, as if they were musical prodigy Mozart. The results showed that all participants were able to achieve the perfect high note after the intentional training. The genius of the soprano, which was thought to be possessed by only one person in 10,000, was made available to everyone through intentional training.
In some fields where there are specific rules, such as music, sports, dance, etc., it is possible to create “geniuses” through intentional training. With the best teacher/coach who can intentionally teach the correct skills, set goals, correct mistakes repeatedly, and practice tirelessly, everyone has a chance to become a genius.
Most so-called geniuses are not born, but are nurtured.
Becoming a disciple of Jesus and growing in the spiritual life depends even more on intentional discipleship. What is intentional discipleship? Intentional discipleship must have some of the following characteristics:
1. Clear goal: The goal of discipleship is life growth. Life growth includes four areas: First, learning the character of Jesus. Second, a total commitment to God. Third, the ability to serve the people with a servant attitude. Fourth, the ability to actively evangelize.
2. Pastors who are crazy about discipleship: The key to intentional discipleship is to have a pastor who did nothing but make Jesus’ disciples. This pastor must be a disciple of Jesus himself. This pastor does not impart knowledge, but life witness.
3. Repeated practice: Discipleship is endless and must be done repeatedly. If the church fails to systematically and repeatedly train the believers, the life growth of the disciples will come to a standstill. Discipleship must not only be systematic but also continuous. Have you ever seen an athlete who stops practicing and is still in top shape?
4. The ability to correct errors in practice: A practice that is constantly being drilled in error is not only not beneficial, but also detrimental, and would be better off not being practiced at all. Intentional discipleship involves constant reflection, correction of errors, and intentional practice of biblical teachings.
It is very good that the Diocese of West Malaysia encourages discipleship. But is our training intentional? We have been promoting it for over 10 years now, how effective is it? Are we still at the stage of reading Daily Bread?