John 8:31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.
“Discipleship means discipline!” – C S Lewis.
Disciple is a follower of a teacher, leader or coach who is committed to correct and change. A good disciple submits to put to practice all that has learnt from the tutor. A disciple is not one among the crowd of listeners or learners but is an ardent follower of the master, who is devoted to adhere to all that he has seen, observed and learnt from the teacher. There were many who were attracted to the teachings and the miracle working power of Jesus but only the ones who devoted themselves to obey Him were called as disciples.
To master a skill we need discipline. Unless the skill is put into practice, the student can never become like the teacher. The same principle applies in the spiritual realm for us to become the disciples of Jesus. The transition from listeners to learners; then from learners to students and students to followers is the pathway to discipleship. Without discipline no listener, learner or student can become a disciple.
Jesus said to His followers that they will be called disciples only if they abide or remain faithful to His teachings. In order to remain faithful to His teaching we must first know Him and His Word, the Bible. Many remain as listeners and learners but have no commitment to become disciples. Jesus addressed His disciples as friends (John 15:15). Only disciples were empowered to operate in the authority and power of Jesus (Matthew 28:18) and only the disciples can become the ambassadors and representatives of Jesus (Mark 16:15). However, discipleship is hard work. Discipleship requires discipline, dedication and devotion.
Discipleship means discipline:
1. Dedication: Our dedication to know Him will transform us into disciples. Friends spend time with each other. Friends talk, laugh and cry together. Friends share each other’s burdens. Our vehicle of communication with the unseen Saviour is prayer. Our dedication to spend time in prayer and to tune-in and listen to His voice transforms us into disciples.
2. Devotion: Our devotion to read God’s Word enhances our understanding about Him. The Bible is God’s love letter to us. It is a “Talking Book” that has life. Read with expectation to hear a fresh revelation from Him every day. Devotion to know His Word transforms us into disciples.
3. Discipline: Our discipline to follow Him faithfully shapes us to become like Jesus. Information must become revelation in our heart and transform our lives inside out. Discipleship means discipline.
Dedication, devotion and disciple transform us from a follower to a disciple of Jesus.
If we abide in Him and put every effort to meticulously follow His instructions and directions, we will become His disciples.
James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Prayer: Jesus My Master and My Teacher, I commit to hear your instructions and follow your Word scrupulously. Help me to overcome lethargy in reading your word, laziness to stick to my prayer routine and defeat indiscipline to put your word into practice. Amen.
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