The honest challenge of discipleship is: To put Christ first is not merely to say that He is important. It is to allow Him to have the final word. It is when His will is above my desire. His truth above my justification. His path above my comfort. His Kingdom above my personal security. His calling above my fear. His glory above my name.
True faith does not end with acknowledging Jesus. It becomes a road on which a person gradually learns to die to himself and live for God.
And perhaps this is where the line is drawn between a religious person and a disciple.
*A religious person wants God to bless his plans. A disciple is ready to leave his plans for the will of God.
*A religious person seeks God’s support for his life. A disciple gives God the right to rebuild his whole life.
*A religious person wants Jesus to be nearby. A disciple wants to go where Jesus goes.
*A religious person may admire Christ. A disciple follows Christ.
When we disciple, we need to display faith that has become flesh—a discipline, a sacrifice, and a new way of life.
We must teach and model that, if Christ is truly Lord, then He cannot be merely a part of our life. He must be its center:
*Not an ornament.
*Not a religious symbol.
*Not a Sunday subject.
*Not a beautiful idea.
But the Lord before whom the whole life bows.
And in this there is not only weight, but also great hope. Because Jesus calls us to full surrender not to impoverish us, but to free us from false sources of life. He removes our idols from first place not because He wants to rob us of joy, but because only He Himself can give the soul the water after which a person no longer thirsts in the same old way.
Therefore, we must teach and model that discipleship is not the loss of life. It is the return of life to its true Source.
Should you have any questions, please email info@n20i.org.
Aitbek Samatov
Network 20 Disciple-maker — USA
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