FRIDAY June 18, 2021
The Life of Discipleship
“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master.”
Matthew 10:24-25
Discipleship produces humility in our lives. God cannot use the proud, but the humble of heart and spirit (1 Peter 5:5-6). As a disciple, while experiencing sufferings and trials, persevere in your walk with Christ. Did Jesus not experience trials and suffering? Consider 1 Peter 2:21 and the encouragement it gives: For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.
Christians need to abide in Christ. Jesus said to the Jews who believed in Him: “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). In the Greek language, the word to abide means to “stay or dwell.” If you are dwelling in Christ, then you remain a disciple of Christ. A disciple of Christ also lives a life of self-denial:
“If anyone comes to Me [Christ] and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:26-27).
In the Greek language, the word hate means to “love less.” You do not literally hate your family members––you love them less than Christ. In other words, Christ has to be first. However, if Christ is your first priority, then you will automatically love your family; you will not neglect them. Again, the word hate means to “love less.” Christ has to be first in priority.
Understand, people will know you follow Christ because they will see God’s love––agape, unconditional love––active in your life. Jesus said: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” They will know you are a Christian by the way you react and act in front of them, especially while under persecution, trial or suffering.
“God Hold us to that which drew us first, when the Cross was the attraction, and we wanted nothing else.”
~Amy Carmichael, God's Missionary~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
