I had a rather demanding schedule that day. As I was about to leave the house, my younger daughter suggested; “Daddy, can I be your PA today? I want to be your forever PA. I want to follow you.” That conversation reminded me of how to learn through following.
Friend, one way to learn and learn well is through following (Matthew 4:19). The missing link in the development of most people is not formal training but informal training. There are things that cannot be learned in an organised setting. They can only be learned in informal settings (2 Timothy 3:14). This is the beauty of following.
The idea of discipleship is that of apprenticeship. Sadly, some people have associated that word with being lesser. They see apprenticeship as something belittling. But the truth is, anyone you see manifesting greatness in any field was once an apprentice of someone somewhere (2 Kings 3:11). They may not call it apprenticeship, but that’s what it is.
Elisha was an apprentice to Elijah. The disciples of Jesus were apprentices to Jesus. Timothy was an apprentice to Paul. The list goes on. The blessing that apprenticeship affords you is learning in close proximity (Philippians 4:9). You are able to observe truths in action. You are able to see how lessons play out in real life.
If you want to be effective in your career, business, or ministry, find someone who’s into what you want to do and get into apprenticeship with them (Ecclesiastes 10:15). It does not make you lesser but wiser. You are able to leverage their wisdom for your own life and enterprise. You have the opportunity to ask questions, make mistakes, and get corrected.
Sometimes, what you read in books does not always play out exactly in reality. This is why people sometimes find it difficult to replicate what they have read. God knew that humans cannot replicate divinity until they see Jesus in action (1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus came to show us how to live like sons and daughters of God. Who’s the person showing you how to live and fulfil purpose?
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria