Are You a Disciple?

Before you answer that question, look at what it means to be a disciple.

Being a disciple means putting the kingdom of God first in our lives. Matthew 6:33 challenges us, “…seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness;…” God does not approve of us putting His work second or as a spare-time filler. Though our jobs require significant amounts of time, they must be used as a platform for dispensing the Gospel message. Is doing God’s work the driving force in my life?

Being a disciple means willingly sacrificing to promote the cause of Christ. It is not natural to want to sacrifice. But when we see what Christ did on the cross it makes any sacrifice look rather insignificant. Daily reflection on the cross even motivates sacrifice. A disciple stands for truth and principles that make little sense to the world. Isaac Watts asks in a song, “Am I a soldier of the cross, a follower of the Lamb?” A disciple is not ashamed of what the Bible says and wants everyone to experience what he is experiencing in Christ. Are you sacrificing as a disciple of Jesus?

Being a disciple means hungering for fresh truths from God’s Word. A disciple is a “pupil” (Greek), a “learner” (Latin), and a “student” (English). To relax and be content with what we know is inexcusable. We have a great commission to fulfill and a deepening relationship with Christ to experience. Scripture says, “…desire the sincere milk of the word,…grow.” As Psalm 1 says, “…delight…in the law of the Lord;…meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree…that bringeth forth fruit…not wither…prosper.” A disciple never ends his schooling and is kept faithful by the diligent effort to grow. Every facet of life involves learning. Only the dead cease learning. The law of nature is to experience growth or to experience loss of what we have. What are you learning even now about following Christ?

Being a disciple means seeking to better model the life of Christ. Christianity gains appeal by good examples, people who live holy and changed lives. Inconsistencies and lack of power to live righteously show one has not taken the call to be a disciple seriously. Continual walking in sin even calls in question our regeneration. A true disciple will look at the examples set by his teacher such as love for enemies, turning the other cheek, showing compassion, giving words of encouragement, courage in trials, daily prayer, unselfish service, and pattern his life after Him. Are you an example for someone to follow? Do people see you as a sincere disciple of Jesus Christ?

Luke 14:33 says, “…whosoever…forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”

Are you a disciple?

~~ Dale R. Eby, Adapted

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