Discipleship

Discipleship is more than just attending church on Sundays or reading the Bible occasionally. It is a daily decision to follow Jesus, to learn from Him, and to live according to God’s teachings. In my opinion, the key is to always be true to what you believe in. If you believe swearing is bad, stick to it. Don’t swear when you are in a pinch. And if you believe that being greedy is bad, have a heart of love and generosity. Many people think discipleship is only for pastors or very spiritual people, but it is for everyone. Jesus said in Matthew 28:19-20 to go and make disciples of all nations and to teach them everything He commanded. I personally feel called to witness to people of other faiths - not just shut the door in their face when they come knocking. Make a condition. Tell them that you’ll listen to them if they will listen to you as well. I have done this a few times, and it’s almost always great conversation where I can share my testimony and question their beliefs! Why would I shut the door on one of the most confused people when they are coming right to me?

Being a disciple begins with developing a personal relationship with God. This involves prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking His guidance in everyday life. Prayer is not only about asking God for help but also about speaking with Him and listening to His direction. Reading the Bible may sometimes be confusing or challenging, but that is part of the process. Discipleship is not about being perfect. It is about being willing to follow Jesus even when it is difficult or when we do not fully understand.

Discipleship also requires living out one’s faith in practical ways. It is easy to talk about faith but more meaningful to demonstrate it through actions. This can include showing kindness to others, helping someone in need, forgiving those who hurt us, or simply being compassionate in daily interactions. John 13:35 says that everyone will know we are disciples of Jesus if we love one another. Love is central to discipleship. It is not enough to read the Bible or attend church if our actions do not reflect God’s love in the world.

Another important aspect of discipleship is guiding and supporting others in their faith journey. Just as Jesus taught His disciples, we are called to encourage and mentor fellow believers. This can be as simple as offering advice from personal experience, sharing encouragement, or helping others stay accountable in their spiritual growth. Discipleship is relational; it thrives when believers learn from one another and support each other in following Christ.

In conclusion, discipleship is a commitment to follow Jesus, grow in faith, and help others do the same. It requires prayer, obedience, service, and love. Every day provides new opportunities to live as a disciple and to reflect God’s love in meaningful ways. Even when we make mistakes, God desires that we continue striving to follow Him. By committing to discipleship, we participate in God’s work on Earth and answer Christ’s call to make disciples of all nations.