What is a disciple? Theologians and scholars may have a narrower in-depth definition, but in a nutshell, it is a believer of Christ who takes part in the spiritual development process of learning to live all of life in submission to Jesus Christ.
But what does this really mean for us? Our lives should mirror God’s, and we should be proud to allow others to see that. It says in Matthew 6:10, “on earth as it is in heaven.” Jesus has given us authority to use through Him. If someone wants to know what is going on in heaven, all they should have to do is check out the lives of believers, individually and collectively. We are God's ambassadors on Earth, but a lot of Christians are living defeated lives in a decaying culture, and they are going down with it. As disciples who submit to Christ and to the Father, God's people are to exercise heaven's authority in history (now). Living as a disciple goes hand in hand with submitting to authority. (Luke 9 1-2, Acts 8: 12-13, 1 Cor 4:20)
Even though Satan is defeated, he still has a lot of fight left in him to deceive people. He is the master manipulator, so he will rob people of their full potential. In 2 Cor 11:14, Paul writes, “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” He will deceive us by what we think may be good for ourselves. Too many Christians today serve Christ if things don't mess with their comfort. When everything is going good - money, health, relationships - we have smiles on our faces, & hands raised in thanksgiving. When we have some adversity, we get easily knocked down and shaken in our faith.
What would it look like if we saw how our true spiritual transformation can make an impact in the world? There are a few disciples around to enable the church to have some impact on the wounds. That is why you see people going to church on Sundays, but you never really see a change in the city, community, and even the country. We have so many Christians with so little impact within our churches, let alone our community. We do not need more bodies in the pew; what we need are more disciples - visible and verbal, unapologetic followers of Jesus Christ. The size of the church means nothing if it isn’t a guide to create true Christ followers.
YOU can make a difference. Take that step, make that change! Reach out to me or someone you trust to help you. Let’s be the disciples we are called to be and make an impact in the world for Christ!
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This gives a great perspective of how we aren’t living up to our full potential