Discipleship

“And whoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:27

Unlike the word “Christian,” which is found only three times in the Bible, “disciple” is used over three hundred times. Jesus has put out a call for people to BE disciples and to MAKE disciples, because He wants them to assist in spreading His Gospel. Jesus wants His disciples to be wise soulwinners.

The qualifications for such a task are self-denial and leading a “disciplined” life. Verse 28 asks a question: “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” Verse 33: “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot he my disciple.

Jesus paid a high price when He left the glories of heaven to come to earth for the purpose of redeeming fallen man and restoring them to fellowship with His Father. He also asks His disciples to make choices between the things of this world and eternity’s values. Some sacrifice is involved.

As one of Jesus’ disciples, you will be a carrier of the Good News of salvation, and you will then, of necessity, have to ask yourself: Am I simply professing the EXPERIENCE of Christianity, or am I living the LIFE-STYLE of discipleship?

PRAY: “Father, help me count the cost today of true discipleship. Correct my lazy attitude toward Your Lordship in my life. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”