Discipleship
“Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples…”
Matthew 28:19 CEV
Anyone that types the word into their computer’s dictionary will get the definition for a disciple. The primary characteristic of a disciple is discipline. According to Dictionary.com, the definition for discipline is behavior that is in accordance with specific rules of conduct and order maintained by training and control. A disciple is a person who makes a conscious decision to devote their life to obeying the teachings of another person. The doctrine that we decide to obey determines our destiny, first on earth and ultimately for eternity. It is a decision that must be made today; “…choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). We should not wait until tomorrow when making this decision about our destiny (Hebrews 4:7). Tomorrow is not promised to us (Luke 12:20). There is no coming back to warn others (Luke 16:27-31). As a result of the pressing need to let others know about the amazing grace of God, we were given a directive to go out into the world and tell all people about the wonderful gift of salvation in the person of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). Jesus’ unselfish sacrifice on the cross gives all people in the world the opportunity to accept His gift freely. Discipleship requires that we have a reverent attitude for our Lord and study God’s Word every day; “…they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11 KJV). Discipleship requires that we be ready to tell others about Jesus; “…be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15 KJV). Discipleship requires that we have the ability to avoid foolish and thoughtless discussions since we know that they produce conflicts (2 Timothy 2:23). Discipleship requires that we share the doctrine of Jesus Christ with others while avoiding conversations that will lead people into worthless thinking and ungodly behavior (2 Timothy 2:16, Romans 1:28). Discipleship is most effective when we understand that once we plant the seed in people’s minds about the truth of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is the one that changes people on the inside; “I will put my spirit within you” (Ezekiel 36:27 KJV). True disciples of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ know, that if people make a decision to reject the magnificent gift of salvation from our Savior, then we are free to move on and share the Gospel with other unbelievers; “If any place does not welcome you or listen to you, when you leave there, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them” (Mark 6:11 CSB). So, let us not let anything hinder us or slow us down from sharing the gift of Salvation with others. We must not get tired of fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives in spreading His Word. If we continue to obey our Lord in this effort, He will bring the harvest of eternal life at the right time. We must not give up.
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned”
Mark 16:15-16 KJV
Submitted by Trustee Stanley Ridley