What Am I?

A passing comment this week caught my attention and wouldn’t fade away. By the time you finish reading this, you might ask yourself the same question.

I don’t remember who said it, but here’s the comment: The word “disciple” comes from the word “discipline.”

I had always thought of discipline as a verb: Action taken to train, control, or punish those who didn’t see any need to obey/follow certain rules.   

Now I was reminded that discipline could also be a noun, meaning: Mental self-training or preparation, while developing a system of obedience to rules of conduct.

Here’s where it becomes personal! Jesus said the Holy Spirit would come and lead us into all truth (John 16:12-14); however, it is always our choice to follow what we learn, or not.

Why do I say that? For two reasons:

(1) Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24 and Luke 9:23).  

(2) Jesus’ final instructions were to “make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey all I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Words tend to change meanings over time. For example: (1) In Acts, disciples were all who believed in the risen Lord, (2) Then, with the Great Commission, disciples became those who responded in faith to Jesus Christ for salvation, and (3) Eventually, “disciple” became an equivalent to the word “Christian” (Christ One).

In our time, the Great Commission resembles a Great Evangelism program. I really appreciate the ministries that: (1) Not only call people to salvation through faith in Jesus, but (2) Also offer materials and further teaching on how to become a committed “disciple,” learning/obeying Jesus’ teachings.

So, I’ve asked myself, “What am I: A Christian, or a Disciple?”

I’ve always considered myself a Christian, believing in Jesus as my Savior. Now, I’m going deeper and identifying as a disciple.

By God’s grace and the help of the Holy Spirit, I desire to: (1) Continually learn and obey Jesus’ teachings, and also (2) Try to encourage others with what I learn.

How about you?

Pixabay: Screen, TV, Watch TV; geralt.