Discipleship is a relationship with Jesus--a relationship that instills Jesus' love and power, which we exemplify and bestow upon others. Jesus provides a relationship in which we abide in Him to be perfected. Our ability to overcome, through Christ, lifts up the name of Jesus and draws men to Him. Power to change and save man, lies in His name, alone. He shines a light through us that lights the way to Truth.
FOLLOWERS WHO LEAD
So, how can we increase discipleship? What are we expected to do to lead others to discipleship? We do just that...we lead. We lead the way, so that others will follow, just as Jesus continues to lead us, through His Holy Spirit. As His disciples, we must take His gospel into the world. This does not mean that everyone must continuously travel, spreading the Gospel. As we live our lives, within the world, we walk as Jesus' disciples. In our daily walk, with Christ, we spread His Gospel and compel others to have a relationship with Him. We can witness to others about our relationship with Jesus. However, our walk...our walk, the way in which we live, work, love and carry ourselves, along with our faithfulness to God...this walk, the light and truth within us, must prove that we are truly His followers. It is truth, which will lead others to Christ and to become His disciple.
HOW SHALL A MAN WALK?
Through our walk, we show others the path we follow. So, we must be careful not to stray from that path, lest we be a stumbling block to others. Our walk shows others that we can conquer the world, through Christ. Our walk shows others how to solve worldly problems through accountability to God and Godly love. Our walk shows that there is always a road ahead and you are never at a dead end. Our walk shows hope and love. Our walk provides others with a look at Jesus. The choice becomes theirs to follow Him. Only a look at Jesus, even a glimpse, can change hearts, calm storms, heal sickness and cast out evil.
By all accounts, Jesus should have had thousands of disciples, but all did not choose to follow Him. Many thought it too hard because they would have to give up worldly things, people in their lives and surrender their will to God. Yes, many heard Jesus speak, as the Word of God, and many believed Him. Many believed because of His miracles. However, true belief and discipleship is not only in mind, but in spirit. Like the rich man, who did not want to sell his possessions (Matthew 19:16-24), one can believe, but choose not to follow and have a relationship with Jesus. Jesus had disciples that began to follow, but found it too hard to continue because they feared or loved the world. They took their eyes off of Jesus and sank into darkness.
DISCIPLESHIP WITHIN THE CHURCH
Is it the responsibility of the church to lead people to discipleship? Yes, but many churches are in competition with Christ. Many churches focus on the support of their own doctrine, rituals, membership, agenda and authority. When we are in Christ, He alone is the authority. Through Christ, we are free of false doctrine and legalism. Christ focuses on bringing us to spiritual maturity for the Kingdom and everlasting life. To Christ, membership is of no importance, for all who follow, belong to Him. To expect the institutional church to instill discipleship within it's members is to place " a kingdom against itself." Jesus said, " "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation and a house divided against a house falls." (Luke 11:17) They will not cut off their own foot, nor will they cast stones at themselves. Their lack of faith, love of self and the world, keeps them from believing in discipleship and truly looking at Jesus. They need people to remain weak, sinful, hateful, lovers of the world and ignorant of Truth, in order to support their institution and cover their deceit that they lead people to follow religion. A church that leads people to Jesus, leads people to discipleship.
GOD IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL
We can argue that we need to fix these types of churches. We can argue that we don't need more mega churches. We can argue that we should hold ministers accountable for the lack of discipleship within the church. We...we...we. In making these arguments, we must not forget that God is in control. Just as He protects the true Body of Christ, He has a plan for true discipleship.
Before we start assessing what we need and do not need; or what we can and can not do, or what should be done, we must not forget to acknowledge, proclaim and fear what God can do, could do and would do if it were not for His grace and mercy. Let us submit to the will and power of God. When we base the functionality and fate of the church upon our own desires, assumptions, prejudice and short-sightedness, we attempt to limit the power of God, who is all knowing. God is always in control.
When we don't see God changing or controlling a situation, we want to change or control it ourselves. However, God is always in control. God allows things in order that we may see His purifying power, which is part of the grace and mercy He bestows upon us. When God allows, He is providing an opportunity to help us distinguish and discern holiness and righteousness. Every adverse situation is an opportunity for God to be glorified.
Our "we" and "I" should always give God glory, honor and power' and acknowledge that without Him, we can do nothing. Instead of focusing on what needs to be corrected, removed, or limited, we can ask God if it is His will to use us, within the situation, that He may be glorified and others will be led to the Kingdom.
KEEPING OUR EYES ON JESUS
Jesus told His disciples, " It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!" (Luke 17:1) Let us not be so distracted by these offenses so that our light becomes darkness and we can not be effective disciples and vessels for Christ. The book of Revelation contains Christ's letters to the churches. He knew many churches would fall to the darkness in the world and warns them even now of their lack of faith, their betrayal of their first love and their alignment with the evil one.
That, which is in the world, is for the world and will remain until the appointed time. However, be mindful of that which God allows, for God can change things and people of the world into good and use them for His purpose, for He has all power.
There are those, in the world, having heard the Word, by choice, choose to remain of the world. Blessed are those, in the world, who have looked at Jesus, heard His voice and are no longer of the world. And just as we, through His power, have been changed to become one, we are purposed for His good. As disciples, we become not only the voice of Jesus' Gospel, but the image of Him that others see. In order for them to see Jesus, we must let His light shine through us. To be certain the light within us is not darkness, we must keep our eyes on Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; for we have a charge to keep and a God to glorify.
OPPORTUNITY FOR DISCIPLESHIP
Jesus made sure that everyone would have opportunity to follow Him. He sent His disciples out into the world, to heal the sick, forgive sins, and draw others into the Kingdom. The difference between success of one person over another is often opportunity. God provides a multitude of opportunities for everyone to hear His Word. Jesus continues to send teachers, preachers, evangelists, prophets and apostles to equip the saints. And if we be equipped, need we have fear of the tactics of the enemy, or should we, His disciples, seize each opportunity before us to glorify our God? It is something to think about the next time we forget that...God is in control. We need only to take a look at Jesus.
