What is discipling you right now? Pause for a moment and consider this deeply. Is it the latest technology that promises to make life easier and more efficient? Is it a self-help guru with strategies to unlock your potential? Or perhaps it’s that podcast everyone is raving about, offering fresh perspectives on how to navigate life. Whatever it is, the answer to this question matters profoundly. The truth is simple yet profound: we become like the people and things we follow.
Everyone is a disciple of something. But what does it mean to be a disciple? A disciple is someone who aligns their life, their decisions, and their motivations around a person, an idea, or a set of beliefs. It’s not a title reserved solely for the religious; it’s a reality of human nature. We are all being shaped—discipled—by something or someone.
Take a moment to reflect: What are you chasing the hardest right now? What consumes your thoughts, your energy, and your focus? This pursuit reveals what you are discipling yourself to. For some, it may be career success, the pursuit of wealth, or the approval of others. For others, it may be comfort, pleasure, or even knowledge. These pursuits, while not inherently bad, can become the center of our lives, shaping who we are and who we are becoming. The question we must ask ourselves is whether these things are truly worth shaping our lives around.
At the heart of Christian faith is the call to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. This means more than just believing in Him; it means following Him in a way that transforms our lives. A disciple of Jesus is someone who is actively learning to live and love like Jesus. It’s a journey of becoming more like Him in character, action, and purpose, while also helping others do the same. This is not a passive process but an intentional path of growth and multiplication. Discipleship begins with Jesus and is centered on His life, teachings, and example.
When we think about discipleship, it’s easy to confine it to a church setting or a program. But discipleship is not just a Sunday morning activity; it’s a way of life. Jesus’ invitation to “Come, follow me” (Matthew 4:19) was not limited to a specific time or place. It was an invitation to walk with Him daily, to learn from Him, and to model our lives after His. This kind of discipleship requires a reorientation of our priorities and values. It asks us to consider what’s truly at the center of our lives.
The process of becoming a disciple of Jesus involves several key aspects. First, it starts with relationship. Jesus didn’t call His disciples to follow a set of rules or doctrines; He called them to follow Him. To be a disciple of Jesus is to be in relationship with Him, to spend time with Him through prayer, reading Scripture, and worship. It’s in this relationship that we learn His heart and His ways.
Second, discipleship involves transformation. As we follow Jesus, He changes us. We begin to see the world through His eyes, love people with His heart, and live with His purpose. This transformation is not something we can accomplish on our own; it is the work of the Holy Spirit within us. But it requires our cooperation and surrender. We must be willing to let go of the things that are discipling us away from Jesus and embrace His way of life.
Finally, discipleship involves multiplication. Jesus’ call to His disciples was not just to follow Him but to make more disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Discipleship is not complete until it leads to the discipling of others. This doesn’t mean we have to have all the answers or be perfect; it means we share what we have received and invite others to walk with us on the journey.
The question remains: What is discipling you right now? If we are honest, many of us might realize that our lives are being shaped by things that cannot fulfill us or lead us to true life. Technology, self-help, entertainment, and success all promise happiness and fulfillment, but they often leave us longing for more. Only Jesus offers the abundant life we truly desire (John 10:10). Only He can transform us from the inside out and give our lives eternal significance.
To become a disciple of Jesus, we must make a conscious decision to center our lives around Him. This doesn’t mean abandoning our responsibilities or interests; it means bringing every aspect of our lives under His lordship. It means asking questions like: How can I honor Jesus in my work? How can I reflect His love in my relationships? How can I use my time and resources to further His kingdom? These questions help us align our lives with His purpose and priorities.
Discipleship is not a one-time decision but a lifelong journey. It’s a path of continual growth and learning. There will be challenges and setbacks along the way, but Jesus promises to walk with us and empower us. As we follow Him, we discover that His way is not only right but also good and life-giving.
In the context of a community of faith, discipleship takes on a deeper dimension. We are not meant to walk this journey alone. Jesus Himself modeled discipleship in community, gathering a group of followers to learn and grow together. In the same way, we need the support, encouragement, and accountability of other believers. Through small groups, mentoring relationships, and shared ministry, we help each other follow Jesus and grow in our faith.
This emphasis on community reminds us that discipleship is not just about our personal relationship with Jesus; it’s about living out that relationship in the context of others. It’s about loving and serving others as Jesus did. It’s about being His hands and feet in the world. When we live as disciples of Jesus, our lives become a testimony to His love and grace, drawing others to Him.
Ultimately, the goal of discipleship is to become more like Jesus. This is not just for our benefit but for the glory of God and the good of the world. As we grow in our discipleship, we reflect His character and carry out His mission. We become agents of His kingdom, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to a broken world.
So, what is discipling you right now? Take a moment to evaluate your life and consider what’s shaping you. If it’s not Jesus, what might it look like to reorient your life around Him? The journey of discipleship is not always easy, but it is worth it. As we follow Jesus, we discover the fullness of life He promises and the joy of helping others do the same. Let’s commit to being disciples of Jesus who make disciples, allowing His life to shape ours and His mission to guide us.
By: Jack McAdoo
