A Christian or a Disciple

“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” John 15:8

One Gallup poll reported that fifty million Americans claimed to be “Christians.” It discovered, however, that only twelve percent of those fifty million took their religious belief serious enough for it to have any effect on their lives.

What is a “Christian,” anyway? The word is mentioned only three times in the Scriptures. Webster’s Dictionary defines a “Christian” as “one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ…a member of the Christian denomination.”

Do you realize Jesus never called people to become “Christians”? He did not issue a command for us to MAKE Christians of others. He used another word…DISCIPLE. Webster defines “disciple” as “one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of Jesus Christ.”

When you go beyond the passive accommodation of professing belief in Christ (even devils believe, according to James 2:19) and begin to accept and assist in spreading the Gospel, you become His “disciple.” Your faith becomes more than an EXPERIENCE; it becomes a LIFE—STYLE! Are you a “CHRISTIAN” or a “DISCIPLE”?

PRAY: “Dear Heavenly Father, I have to answer that question, don’t I? You and I have had a wonderful relationship, but my life-style could bear more fruit. Guide me today. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”