When you think about what a true disciple of Christ looks like, who and what do you imagine that looks like? Is it a Pastor, an Elder, a Deacon, and a Ministry leader in your Church? Is it a parent or a friend or a mentor? Is it you? If someone were to walk up to you now and ask you to tell them what is a disciple? What does one look like? How does one act? Let's take this in a more serious matter: If you call yourself a Christian, someone who has put their trust in Jesus and believe that He has paid it all for your sins and because of that you are saved, does that make you a disciple of Jesus Christ? Should it? In every aspect of your life? Your spending, your savings, your time, your talent, your entertainment, your filters? Does the Word of God hold authority in your life? Do you pray often? Do others hold you accountable?If people were to look on your life, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, would they see more of you or more of Him in your life? That is to say, would your life, love and actions turn people toward wanting to know God or would it repel them to despise your beliefs and your faith?
Does any of this really matter? What does Scripture have to say on this (CLICK HERE).
Do you believe that every one will die and that after this there will be a judgement? Does that thought make you think what you do and build in this life matters? Are your building your kingdom and your desires or are you building God's Kingdom?
In Matthew 28, Jesus tell his disciples the following:
The Great Commission
Matthew 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
That is pretty clear-cut in what every church is called to do. What every ministry should be pointing toward and to what every Christian needs to be doing in their life. If you are a parent then your number 1 mission field is your spouse and your family. If you are a leader, then all those who follow your leadership should be pointed to Christ in the way that you are leading. If you are a servant and you are serving - then you should be serving Christ with all of your heart, mind, body, soul and strength.
Some true characteristics of a biblical disciple:
- A disciple is one who listens (and not only listens) and does the will of the one who is teaching them (in this case: Jesus Christ). So a disciple of Christ is someone who learns from him to live like Him.
- A disciple is one who gives the Word of God authority over their entire life (Time, Talent and Treasure)
- A disciple is one who yields to the Holy Spirit and is in step with the Spirit.
- A disciple is one who worships without restraint (in their time, their talent and their treasure)
- A disciple is one who serves others without expecting to be served
- A disciple is one whose life (even without words) points others to Christ (or at least to a higher authority)
- A disciple is one who is accountable to Scripture and to his brothers and sisters
- A disciple is one who puts God first in all things
- A disciple is lead by the Spirit to tear down idolatry in their lives (meaning if alcohol is an idol, if drugs is an idol, pornography, sex, bad language, anger, pride, sports, entertainment, _____ - is an idol then you destroy and/or remove that idol from your life.
- A disciple is one who prays regularly
- A disciple is one who is a good steward of his time, talent and treasure
- A disciple is one who waits on God and does not pursue his own lust of the eyes or pride of life
- A disciple is one who does not just know Jesus as Savior but can call Him an intimate friend
What does discipleship look like to you? Who is the authority in your life? Is it God? Does your time, your talent and your treasure affirm that?
How can you be Christian and not do the will of God and obey his words. Not just hearing the words, but doing what they say?
Left on our own devices, we fail. BUT with God and His Son and His Spirit - ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!
Who do you trust?
Blessings,
Dante