All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20
INTRODUCTION
As Christians, we are called to be disciples and also disciple others. Scripture mentions being a disciple many times. And Jesus Himself speaks often about the significance of being His disciple.
Discipleship is key to our Christianity, and while we are not perfect in our faith or in our walk with Christ, we should always strive for perfection for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is what the Lord wants of us. He expects that if we choose to follow Him, then we are accepting that we are to live a different life from those who don’t follow Him. Jesus laid out the many standards and expectations of discipleship.
MAINTAINING SPIRITUAL FOCUS
All Christians face the challenge of maintaining spiritual focus. This physical world can be distracting. Its sights and sounds often take us on a path different from what would benefit our goals as Christians.
Are you able to walk the “straight and narrow” when disruptions and diversions compete for your attention? You can move forward, rather than sideways, in your calling—but it requires thoughtful planning and perseverance. And it starts with self-examination and taking spiritual inventory of yourself. These are vital to maintaining Christian growth.
LET’S LOOK AT 10 QUALITIES OF A TRUE DISCIPLE
- Loves Jesus above everyone and everything.
The first Commandment calls for this and Christians adhere to this with devotion. While disciples love their family, friends and even foes, they put the Lord above all else and it’s evident in their priorities. Money, career, ambition may be a part of their lives, but these things and other material interests never come before Christ and following His Word.
- Selflessness and sacrifice.
Disciples always put others first and in many ways put other’s needs before their own. This is evident in disciples’ selfless deeds and many acts of kindness.
- Humility and modesty.
To be humble is to be a disciple of the Lord, because the Lord Himself was truly humble. Just remember that He came into this world a man, and how He came, in a stable, laying in a manger. He humbled Himself to everyone and yet He was God. Christ’s disciples are also modest, not just in appearance but also in the way that they act.
- Dedicated to following Christ and the Commandments.
A disciple is committed to the Lord and eager to follow His Word and act in ways that are pleasing to Him. This doesn’t mean that a disciple is perfect or that she always does the right thing.
- Is not easily influenced by the world.
In fact, a disciple is indifferent to the standards of the world and is not affected by trends or fashion.
- Has self-control in his/her emotions and actions.
This is evident in the way he/she behaves, regardless of how others act toward him/her. If she is criticized, ridiculed or persecuted for her faith, she responds with kindness, just as Jesus did. After all, Christ called us all to do as He did.
- Lives the Word.
A disciple is a light that shines in the world and reflects the Lord in her actions and lifestyle. Her faith is reflected in her words and deeds. “You are the light of the world,” Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16. “A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
- Professes the Word regularly and effectively.
A disciple speaks the Word of the Lord in regular conversation, not in a preachy way, but naturally because it’s what she believes. And she’s so eager to share the Word because her desire is to introduce the Lord to everyone.
- Loves as Christ did Or at least tries to.
Jesus is love and He was clear when He called all His followers to love as He loved. Disciples understand that it’s not easy to love as the Lord did, but know also that to love others is to love Him.
- Recognizes that he or she needs God’s strength to be a true disciple.
Because a disciple knows his or her weaknesses and understands that he or she cannot live in this world without the strength of the Lord. And that suffering is only bearable when the Lord is with him or her.
CONCLUSION:
As disciples we have received power from the Holy Spirit to be courageous, bold, confident, insightful, filled with great abilities and authority. We are called to utilize these gifts to fulfill our mission. As disciples let us arise and help to reinforce the spiritual focus of the church to make a great impact on our world through discipleship and preaching the good news.
Stay blessed!
For further inquiries please contact us on Tel Nos. 0243588467 or 0268130615
Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com
Website: saltandlightministriesgh.org
