by Bob Rauner, MD, MPH
The way I think of discipleship is…
“Am I being a 7-day-a-week Christian?”
‘Am I living the way Jesus asks us seven days a week and not just on Sunday?”
“Am I serving others and improving my community in all the hats that I wear – at work (health system & community health jobs), in politics as a member of the school board, and in my interactions with friends or family?”
One way I try to serve others and live ethically on a daily basis is following the Rotary 4-Way Test which to me is just another way of restating the golden rule – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Matthew 7:12)
The Rotary 4-Way Test asks you four questions:
1. Is It the Truth?
2. Is It Fair To All Concerned?
3. Will It Build Good Will and Better Friendships?
4. Will It Be Beneficial To All Concerned?
I think of discipleship as living out the golden rule using the Rotary 4 Way Test. Are we negotiating health insurance contracts that pass the above criteria? When we work with community health workers, do those grants and projects follow that litmus test? Does a vote on the school board conform to this as well? When my wife and I disagree, am I responding in a way that passes the above or am I just trying to win the argument?
One of my favorite sayings by a former First Lutheran pastor is that sometimes the longest distance is from our head, to our hearts and then to our hands. Are we taking what we know to be the right thing and manifesting that in our daily lives through our actions and our hands?
To me, that is living a life of discipleship.
Addendum to Bob’s Story: Bob is an active member of our faith community and is a local public health official. He tells the truth as he sees it – not the truth we might want to hear – which makes him more trustworthy.
Bob offers regular updates on COVID-19 and shares important data. You can find all his video updates on on his YouTube Channel (just search Bob Rauner). He just posted an updated video on Monday. People worldwide follow his videos. We highly recommend you do, too!
