I attended the memorial service for my Uncle Henry the other day. It was a very nice service that honoured him in many ways as several hundred people sat in the pews of the church. I was glad that I attended and had the opportunity to speak with my cousins about their father and our memories growing up.

As a pastor, I have participated in many funerals over the past 9 years, both leading as well as an attendee. As I reflect on each of them, in a way I have discovered that attending funerals has become something of a spiritual discipline for me. Strange yet true.

Funerals, if you let them, will always ground you. They will remind you, if you let them, that your life too will come to an end. They will ask you, if you let them, to think about your own legacy and what people, especially those closest to you, will say when they stand up at the podium or engage in conversations during the meet and greet time. They will cause you to think about, if you let them, your eternal state and the conversation you will have with God when you enter into the heavenly realm. They will humble you, if you let them, as you realize that many of the things you are chasing after are really a lie and will never provide you with the happiness that you think they will. And they will energize you, if you let them, to give your life to something so much bigger then yourself, something that will scare you, move you out of your comfort zone, and yet be so enticing that you can’t help but move to engage in.

Spiritual disciplines can take many forms. Yet I must always remind myself that they are disciplines. It may be nice to avoid funerals as much as possible because they make me uncomfortable, and yet I would then miss out on the growth that can take place.

So it is with scripture, prayer, journaling, solitude, mentoring, etc. Just because you don’t feel like doing something doesn’t mean you should avoid it. It was said about Jesus in Hebrews: “Who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” We discipline ourselves because of the joy set before us.

And this is what you are to model to those you are walking alongside. As Paul reminded his followers, “imitate me.” When you lead someone you are asking them to imitate you. No, you won’t be perfect, but don’t use that as an excuse. If you don’t lead others, who will? You do have something to offer, never forget that.

Engage in your disciplines, no matter how strange or difficult. Be blessed and be a blessing and one day you will hear “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into your rest.”

For the kingdom.

I recently shared the stage at a conference with my friend, mentor, ministry partner and colleague, Luch. He delivered one of his passionate talks at the conference of which I too was able to present. It was fun to do it together. In fact, we’ll be sharing the stage again in a couple of months along with his wife Rosetta.

Luch and I have connected for a long time – more than 25 years actually. I was in second year university when I met him at another event where he was speaking. During one of the breaks I told him that I wanted him to journey with me, to teach me how to be a disciple of Jesus. For the next three years Luch met with me on a regular basis. He taught me the importance of a daily “quiet time” with God – actually he modelled it more then taught it. He demonstrated to me the importance of prayer. I recall one occasion where we walked around one of the sports fields at the University of Guelph for at least 30 minutes praying and talking and looking at scripture as Luch helped me gain insight into a decision I needed to make at the time; as Luch said, we couldn’t gain insight without prayer and he wanted to live that out with me.

On more than one occasion Luch got annoyed with me and called out my laziness and lack of commitment to the discipleship process – I didn’t like him for it at the time, but he was always right. You see, that’s what people do when they care about you, they don’t want you to settle for second best.

Since those years at the University of Guelph our paths have crossed on many occasions. Sometimes we go extended periods without connecting, but when we do get together we simply pick up where we left off. We never have a problem going deep on a topic or with each other, we just know that we can trust each other and that we have each others’ back.

Since my initial 3-year journey with Luch, I’ve had the privilege of being a “Luch” to a lot of other guys. I’ve done my best to give to them what I have received. Some of these guys have become great friends like Luch and me. I can trust them fully, I know that they are there for me. Many of them have chosen to give to others what I gave to them because of what Luch gave to me. You see, it never ends, this process of discipleship always continues to the next generation.

We love the verse in 2 Timothy 2:2 “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable men, who will also be qualified to teach others as well.”

It’s what we do, it’s what we will always do. O that you would be so fortunate to have a Luch in your life. If you have not, why not start the process and be a Luch to someone, you will never be disappointed.

For the kingdom.