Discipleship is a step (decision) followed by a walk.
In the Bible we discover a great one-word description of what discipleship is. Read the following Scriptures…
- 1 John 2:6 “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”
- 2 John 6 “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.”
- 3 John 3 “It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth.”
- Revelation gives us a future prophesy about those who have been faithful disciples. In Revelation 3:4, the Lord says, “Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.”
Discipleship is a decision (or step) followed by a life long walk. This day by day journey begins here and now and continues forever in Heaven as we continue to walk with the Lord! According to the previous Scripture, it is a walk of obedience, a walk of love and a walk of truth.
Why did Jesus choose disciples? The reason, according to Mark 3:13-19, is two fold:
- Fellowship (relationship) “that they might be with Him.” Jesus desired some other people to walk with Him so He chooses the disciples. This is the relational side of discipleship. It is also the side that demands the most time, energy, and commitment. Discipleship does not jump out of a box, the latest best selling book, or a DVD series. Discipleship happens through authentic relationships that are centered around the Living Word of God.
- Task (mission) “send them out to preach.” This discipleship walk is not only with each other in fellowship and growth but also in mission/purpose. The disciples then and now are sent out for a task. The disciples knew what to teach and preach from the relationship they had with the Master Teacher. They got it! They were well acquainted with a body of knowledge, which changed their lives (the Gospel) and they were eager to preach and teach it.
A question for Church Leaders… “Are we willing to take discipleship seriously and give the time, energy and budget, that is required to disciple people?” Has your church “stepped up” to discipleship?
A greater question… “What’s the consequence for our church and for the kingdom, if we don’t?”
Lately, how’s your walk been?
Thanks Danielle! Sometimes we get out of step and need to get back on track. Blessings!
Mike
Mike,
Great post. How many times do we go about out daily business and forget to walk as Jesus did. We so often are wrapped up in ourselves that we forget what we have been called to do. I have been thinking about this a lot lately and I’m glad to hear your thoughts. Thank You.