When learning about what it takes to be successful in the outdoors, knowledge is often handed down within the family from adults to youth: parents to children, grandparents to grandchildren, uncles to nieces/nephews. You get the point. The traditions, skills, and attitude that are handed down can be a positive exchange that nurtures growth for the young person, teaching them to respect the environment and the animals that live within the habitat. But lit could have the opposite effect: instilling poor habits and rituals that are detrimental to the environment, can be unsafe and selfish, destroying the habitat for future generations.

As we gathered around the campfire the evening after the hunt, we discussed what it means to be a disciple. As Christians when we hear the word disciple, we think of it as a follower of Christ, but the boys around that campfire learned it means so much more. We shared with the Sportsmen about taking up the cross as referenced in Matthew 16:26. The discussion led to challenges that discipleship could bring if you were following the wrong leader and that Jesus has called us to be disciples to Him first. That being a disciple of Jesus meant being able to overcome where our “flesh” naturally will lead us. The boys shared how the "flesh" nature in us leads to laziness, bad attitudes, and wasting time. Our discussion led to Romans 7:14-25, where we showed the boys that even Paul struggled with the failure of sin. We all have sin in us because of our animalistic nature, and our flesh leans towards sin, but it is Christ living in us that allows us to overcome. 

As the discussion developed, we wrapped up the discussion talking about fasting. Through fasting, spiritually, you will allow for Christ’s discipline to help overcome sin. Fasting is a powerful tool for us as Christ followers to eliminate the things that distract us from putting Jesus first in our lives allowing Him to be put in that prominent spot of focus.

If you are finding that your walk with Jesus isn’t what you want it to be, do as these young disciples did and examine your life to see what is holding you back and eliminate (fast) from that thing until you have replaced it with Jesus.