Discipleship
Discipleship is simply the process of becoming more and more like Jesus in our attitudes, behavior and character. This process is life-long! We never arrive (until we finally see Jesus face to face). I hope my articles help you think about Christianity and eventually discover how you can become a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I trust you will find on this site for tons of information about how to become an authentic disciple and follower of Jesus Christ. Christianity is a process of becoming… it’s a marathon, or a journey rather than a sprint. Take a few steps toward Him today.
Definition of a Disciple:
I have been debating on just what a disciple of Jesus is supposed to look like, perhaps you’ll take a look at my posts on discipleship:
- What Does a Disciple Look Like?
- How to Spot a Disciple of Jesus
- The Discipleship Method of Jesus
- Jesus Always Exceeded Expectations
- Disciples Bear Fruit – Secret of the Vine
- The LifeShapes Discipleship Strategy
- Notes on the Disciple-Making Pastor
- Notes on Simple Church
- Discipleship and Grace
- Disciples Know How to Hear from God
- The Purpose of Small Groups
- Why We Need Small Groups
- The Values of a Relational Leader
- Mentoring 101
Why Bother With Discipleship?
I recently read a great article by Dallas Willard regarding the issue of discipleship. He challenges the modern idea that we can be “vampire Christians” like saying to Jesus… I’d like a little of Your blood, please, for salvation, but I do not care to be your student or to develop Your character. In fact, just let me live my life and I’ll see you in heaven. Willard quotes A. W. Tozer, that salvation apart from obedience is unknown in the sacred Scriptures.
He stresses the importance of becoming an apprentice of Jesus, mainly to avoid the practice of sin, and that it is by spiritual transformation that the “cup becomes clean on the inside” and the “tree will bear good fruit.” This is far from assenting to a list of propositions regarding the Christian faith. Walking with Jesus in discipleship is the only way to exercise a power that is beyond us in dealing with problems and evils that afflict our earthly existence.
He ends the article with this quote:
But, someone will say, can I not be saved–get into heaven when I die–without any of this? Perhaps you can. God’s goodness is so great, I am sure, that He will let you in if He can find any basis at all to do so. But you might wish to think about what your life amounts to before you die, about what kind of person you are becoming, and whether you really would be comfortable for eternity in the presence of one whose company you have not found especially desirable for the few hours and days of earthly existence. And he is, after all, One who says to you now, “Follow me!”
