A reflection on Mark 6:7-11
Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. 8 These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. 9 Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. 10 Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. 11 And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”
Reflecting on the Olympics last month, I realized most athletes have practiced their sport for so long that they can’t remember the first time they touched a racquet, jumped into a pool, or rode a bicycle. One thing is sure. They didn’t read an instruction manual before trying. Most people learning a sport, driving a car, or doing anything for the first time will learn by doing. They observe someone else, imitate them, practice, and later learn more about the game’s rules.
What about volunteers in Christian service? Your “sport” is what the Bible refers to as a “calling,” a gift or passion that God has given you to serve others. One way to discover that calling and grow into it is to practice, stretch, and exercise.
Jesus doesn’t wait for us to become experts in the Christian life before sending us to serve. For example, in Mark 6, the disciples have only begun their journey with Jesus. They have still not figured out who Jesus is and are still plagued with “unbelief,” the cowardly lack of confidence they need. Jesus does something that transforms them: Jesus empowers them with authority and send them out to practice.
Consider this innovative approach. Jesus treats their calling as an apprenticeship. He doesn’t assign more books; he sends them to the world to experience it firsthand. He authorizes them to cast out demons and heal the sick. When–not if— they are rejected, he instructs them to move on, shake the dust off their feet, and go elsewhere. The lesson is clear: don’t dwell on haters.
Jesus assumes that we will struggle. Our early attempts will not go very well. Like an artist first learning to paint, or a swimmer first learning a stroke, you learn from failure. You discern what your divine assignment is—and is not. You clarify what gives you life and what gives life to the world.
In the Christian life, we don’t study our way into the life God has for us. We live our way and learn what God has for us to do. We step out, we risk, we move forward, we journey. So, where do we begin? The food pantry or wherever you serve is a great place to start no matter your age. The disciples were likely in their late 20s or early 30s. For someone in Jesus’ day, that was “midlife”! Like driving or swim lessons, you find someone more experienced. Reach out to a mentor. Watch, learn, and practice.
Let me share one example. Olympic gold medalist Kelsi Dahlia grew up in New Jersey and joined the swim team at age 7—long before winning a gold medal on the U.S. Women’s medley relay team at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics. But she had another passion besides swimming. Her faith in Christ came first. Her parents and church instilled in her a love for the Lord. When choosing colleges and wanting to continue swimming, she wanted to make sure that other Christian athletes would support her on her journey. She joined a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) group for accountability and friendship. In one of FCA’s publications, she writes, “Training and competition can be anxiety producing. Jesus told his disciples that God would provide all they needed as they trusted Him with their lives.”
We don’t need to be Olympians to understand the importance of training. But we do need practice. Where has God placed you? You’re not alone. Others are waiting to join you. Find your people. Start practicing. Your calling awaits.