Student of guitar and Jesus

Written by Bryan Nelson | posted in behind the scenes, life | 3 Comments

Are you a student of Jesus?

Let me share a story with you.

When people ask if I give guitar lessons, my standard answer is “…not unless you are willing to mow my lawn or pay $20 for 1/2 hour lesson.”  Even then, I’m reluctant to give lessons.  I’ve always felt teachers who teach ought to teach regularly (to be a good teacher) — or don’t teach at all.  So last year Andrew Helt, a 13 year old, asked about guitar lessons — and I gave him my pitch.  What happened?  I had an allergy free summer without mowing the lawn, and he got guitar lessons.  I’m positive I got the better end of the deal.

Andrew isn’t your typical student when it comes to guitar lessons. He didn’t rely on me to teach him — he only relied on me to guide him.  Most guitar students pay of for a lesson, only to sit in front of the teacher and practice in front of them.  The rest of the week — well, the guitar is usually collecting dust or the student does the minimum required.  It’s just the way it is.

But the best students take initiative and are proactive. These  students don’t wait for the teacher to give the next lesson.  Students who takes action end up going further in the long run.  Andrew did just this.  He took the same guidance every other guitar player gets from teachers in the world — but took it further.  He didn’t come asking what he should work on next — he brought some ideas to the table.  He spent the time.  He did more than the teacher was guiding him to do.

Fast forward 10 months and check out the video from this past weekend when Andrew played an underscore to a scripture meditation in our worship environment.  Remember, this is a result of Andrew’s work — not mine or anyone else’s.

Video courtesy of Carrie Davidson

Remember, growing as a student (of Jesus) relies on willingness the student. The student has to WANT to learn and grow.  It’s the same way with the Christian life, Jesus is willing to teach us as students.  He’s even given us a written guide — the Bible.  But we have to WANT it.

What about us?  If we are students of Christ, are we willing to take it to the next level? Or are we waiting or relying on someone/something else?