These days I am becoming convinced, as a disciple, that I need to change how I think and act. I want to think and act as if I had the mind of Christ and it means I have a lot of change that needs to take place.  Paul challenges Philemon in the same way. Onesimus, a slave belonging to Philemon, had run away and somehow found himself to be a friend of Paul. The culture demanded severe punishment and even death. Paul is well aware of this and yet sends Onesimus back to Philemon. He challenges Philemon to see things differently, through the prism of being Christ’s disciple.

 For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever,  no longer as a bondservant[c] but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. – Philemon 1:15-16  ESV

I believe that Paul is challenging Philemon with the idea that there is a cost of being a disciple and that comes to us in the form of changed attitudes and actions.

What a tangible expression of discipleship.  Philemon was converted under Paul’s preaching and  then discipled by him. Onesimus was on the run from Philemon when he encountered Paul.  Paul then discipled Onesimus. He then sent Onesimus back to Philemon and expected Philemon to disciple Onesimus. I see that discipleship is intimate and deeply personal.

Maybe change comes in the form of detachment and even renunciation as I discover what being a disciple of Jesus looks like. Paul had to renounce the service of his new helper and return him to his master. As a new disciple, Onesimus had to leave Paul, face his owner and accept the consequences.

What I like about Paul modelling discipleship in relation to the one being discipled is how there needs to be behaviour representing a Christ-like manner, voluntarily doing the right thing.

 Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required,  yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you – Philemon 1:8-9  ESV

In other words, we are all in the family of Christ.

I am challenged today to seek the face of God and to seek His strength. I am never absent from the presence of Jesus – I live and move and have my being with Him. What I like about this verse in the Psalms is that while I am seeking God here, I am actually challenged to seek Him continually – in my devotions, day to day tasks, worship – everywhere.

Seek the Lord and his strength;
    seek his presence continually!
 Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
    his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,
 O offspring of Abraham, his servant,
    children of Jacob, his chosen ones! – Psalm 105:4-6  ESV

Let’s face it – I count my time and all of my opportunities for seeking God for one sole purpose – preparing me for the time I will be with Him forever.