January 11, 2026
By Bishop Bill Donner, Pacific Conference
Scripture meditation: Hebrews 10:19-20 –“We have confidence to enter… by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh…” (ESV)
Discipleship element: Participating in a community of believers where mutual accountability and support for spiritual growth are fostered.
I remember diving into the pool for the first time. Dad was in the water with his hands so close, saying, “You can do it!” Looking into his eyes, I thought, “because he is there, I can!” I think my first “dive” turned out to be an awkward jump, but the whole family cheered.
Growing up in God’s family is like this. Maturity is not marked by passing years, but by humility and stumbling toward risky steps of obedience – like diving into the pool. Each of these brings joy and new freedoms. The life of the Spirit works its way into our character this way, from the inside out. It shines through our unique personality. It flavors our desires and changes our choices. The life of Christ welling up within us bears unexpected good fruit in and through us. This is the new and living way of Jesus.
We must frame discipleship in these terms – or run the risk of inverting it. If we do not focus on Jesus, discipleship might devolve into a process of gathering information about what God did and said, then forcefully corralling our wayward hearts into behaviors meant to satisfy others, even God.
When the Christian community celebrates faith ventures because they were born of a hopeful obedience, we create a culture of discipleship. When we share how we were set free from misconceptions about others, about ourselves, and about the Lord, we open the door of freedom to others. When simple people share what God redeemed, what God provided when we took the barest action, God’s faithfulness is demonstrated to the entire community.
As we understand these things, we join Jesus in fostering his life in others. Mutual accountability is far less risky when we abandon outward marks of Christianity as our goal and honor a transparency that reveals fearful hearts willing to dive in when we see the Father before us.
Prayer
Father, I pray that you give me the courage to see you always, standing ahead of me with your arms outstretched. May your eyes always give me the confidence to step forward. If I stumble, you will pick me up. Let me be like that child who has courage to dive into the pool because Dad is there to keep them safe. When I break through the fear, let me turn around with joy toward my brothers and sisters and say, “That was great; you can do it too!” Amen.