The term “Christian” has, in many cases, become a tag that people wear on Sunday mornings for one to two hours, and then take off again as they walk out of a church service. It has become merely a check box on many a form for data collection. Today, many people believe that they are “Christian” because they were born to “Christian” parents.
Faith in Jesus does not run in the blood. But sin does.
Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ John 3:5-7 (NLT)
Being born to Christian parents does not make one a Christian. Neither does being part of a church.
So, who is a disciple?
A disciple is a student and follower of another – someone who takes on completely, the teachings of his (or her) master, making them his rule of life and conduct. The Pharisees called themselves disciples of Moses (John 9:28) and Jesus’ followers were called “disciples” (Mark 2:16) long before they were ever called “Christians” (Acts 11:26).
A Jesus Disciple knows that Jesus is Messiah, the son of God, and the only means to salvation (Matthew 16:16). I say ONLY because a “Christian” friend of mine recently said that all religions are serving the same god. That is so not true! John 14: 6 says: Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. My friend simply bears my Lord’s name, but sadly, cannot be said to be His disciple.
A Jesus Disciple knows that on his own, he is a helpless sinner. A person only needs to steal a car once to be considered a car thief. Likewise, it only takes one sin to be a sinner. When Peter realized that Jesus was God, he fell to his knees, and begged Jesus to step away from him. He knew that compared to Jesus, he was a very sinful man.
A Jesus Disciple hears His voice. Jesus called and Peter and the others heard and answered. Have you ever heard Jesus speaking with you? He is always speaking, but only His disciples hear.
A Jesus Disciple follows Him, no matter what. Their boats, nets, lines, and hooks were familiar to Peter and the others. These were things they understood, things that made them feel successful, safe, and secure. But they left them all for Jesus. His disciples are ready to forsake everything that we trust in so we can follow Him.
True discipleship has a cost: So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own. Luke 14:33 (NLT).
Sacrifice is expected: Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. Matthew 16:24 (NLT).
Jesus’s disciples learn to trust Him to provide everything we need. Everyone needs forgiveness from sin. Jesus provides that. Jesus provides the way of eternal life to those who put their faith and trust in Him. Jesus also provides our daily needs. We know that we can trust Him because of how we’ve seen Him work in our lives.
A true Jesus Disciple lives a life of commitment, spending time with Him, learning to believe and trust in Him, growing in faith and becoming more and more like Him each day. But not all of Jesus’ followers are able to make such a commitment. There were many who left Jesus after a while (John 6:66).
Jesus called His followers disciples. The name “Christian,” was invented by those outside of the church (Acts 11:26). But being called a Christian is a great honour, 1 Peter 4:16 says: But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! Bearing the name of Jesus Christ is a great honour!
“Christian” means “Christ-like”. But just bearing the name does not mean you are Christ-like. As far as we know, the prodigal son never changed his name, he still bore his father’s name, yet his life was unlike anything his father would have wanted for him. Until he made a choice. True Christianity is a choice.
A true Christian (and not one in name only) is a disciple of Jesus. He has counted the cost and has totally committed his life to following Jesus. He accepts the call to sacrifice and follows wherever Jesus leads. The Christian disciple completely adheres to the teaching of Jesus, makes Christ his number-one priority, and lives accordingly. He is also actively involved in making other Christian disciples (Matthew 28:19–20).
Paul describes the reality of being a Christian disciple: My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20).
So, do you just bear the name, or have you chosen to count the cost?
Email me at Onyinye.cn@kda.org.ng