Tag Archives: character

Disciple and Discipline

 

Discipline

 

So when I ask, “what is a disciple”, I must first admit that all of us, that every person is, a disciple of someone or something.

“The disciple who perfectly understands the rules and sees the example of his master, will think it his business to tread exactly in his steps, to do and suffer upon like occasions, as his master did: and so he will be like his master.” Whitby

Jesus wants me to become like Him, to see things as He sees them and to look like Him in character, attitudes and behaviours.

Training is absolutely necessary to become like Jesus. Discipleship is…

 “The intentional training of disciples, with accountability, on the basis of loving relationships.” – Bill Hull

I am personally responsible for my growth even though there is a collective obligation among believers as well. It does take time, effort, energy and study. It does not happen by accident, or in a haphazard way. In fact, it is only accomplished when I set my mind, and plan my purpose, with intentionality.

Here are some signs I have seen in my own life that would indicate that my training is coming together. I am learning, I am following Jesus, I am serving others (hopefully I am doing this with humility), I love others, my single focused commitment is to Jesus, I see results and change, and I am walking with others.

I want to be Jesus’ disciple. I will allow Him to mentor me, mold me and make me what He wants me to be. As that is happening, I will pass it on to others.

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Servant

 

The Servant Song

 

Ideally, I know that I my should have the posture of a servant and that it should be a prominent character of mine. In fact, I believe disciples serve disciples – it’s a family thing.

I know that I have been challenged in Galatians 6:10 to do good to everyone – neighbours, friends, strangers and should I dare say, enemies. May I also remember their souls as I am doing good.

  And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. – Galatians 6:9-10  ESV

 Even in serving, attitudes matter – and that covers people-pleasing all the way to being harsh. Personalities make us either dodge conflict, please those we are serving, or give us a sense of power and control and offering correction with a sense of being a bit too hard. So have a spirit of gentleness and love (also from Galatians 5) we can serve far more effectively.

Brothers,[a] if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. – Galatians 6:1  ESV

There is definitely a relationship between the one who teaches how to serve and the one learning to serve. I myself have not experienced this fully but I believe I get it. Even though it is not something I have experienced, it is definitely something I should engage in.

Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. – Galatians 6:6  ESV

As I engage in the world of serving, I do not want to do it alone, I want to bring those I am discipling into that world as well.

My last thought is that serving costs too. A warrior shows the scars and wounds received in battle, maybe received as tokens of valour and courage, for facing and fighting the enemy. It is our body, not the body of others that bear the marks of such a battle or can I say of being a disciple of Jesus.

From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. – Galatians 6:17  ESV

My call just took another deep dive as I look at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.

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