Aubrey Malphurs, in his book, Strategy 2000: Churches Making Disciples for the Next Millennium, discusses eight areas of what makes a genuine disciple. This list or any list depicting lifestyle and behaviors is an outward response of an inward commitment to Jesus as Lord. This is not a legalistic exercise but can help us examine how we are doing in our walk with the Lord.
Examine this list and see how you are doing in these eight key areas. Is there room for improvement? Consider teaching or preaching on these disciplines or include them in your small group/Sunday School class. Use this in your devotional time and look up all the verses. Ask the Lord to help you live out these disciplines each day.
- A basic, growing knowledge of the Bible and application to the person’s life (John 8:31-32).
- A regular devotional time (prayer, worship, so forth) with God and the family (John 15:7-8).
- A daily recommitment (putting the Savior first) of one’s life to Jesus (Luke 9:23-25, 14:25-35)
- Regular attendance at church and membership in a small group Bible study. (Hebrews 10:25; John 13:34-35, 15:1-7; Acts 2:46, 5:42, 8:3, 20:20)
- Understands his/her gifts and is involved in a ministry (1 Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 1:6; Ephesians 4:11-13).
- Building relationships and sharing the faith with lost people locally and globally (Matthew 9:36-38).
- A generous, joyful giver (2 Corinthians 8).
- A lifestyle that is modeled after Jesus’ love for the Father and for others (Matthew 22:37-40).
Keep the Son in Your Eyes,
Mike James
