Thoughts for Life: What is a Good Disciple?

Jean Oathout tells us, To understand what a disciple is, we have to come to the realization that there first needs to be a serious connection or relationship between the person in question we desire to learn from in a book, over internet, or in person.

Whether or not it is a religious person we think we’d like to follow, or an intriguing subject we’d like to know about, we will begin to see the need to consider the importance of our attention and commitment to pursuing the person's wisdom, or the subject of interest.

Will we benefit by learning from the information offered?

Will it change our way of thinking, or help us make important decisions?

How will it affect our influence, thoughts, and life-goals? What happens if we pursue the music, or the person’s teachings we’ve heard or read of?

There will need to be the understanding that while we listen, or read, it will become a part of our lives, whether we realize it or not.

When music, preaching of God’s Word, movies, and etc. are what draw our attention, we need to examine what is being offered, whether it will enrich our lives, or cause harmful changes in our personal beliefs and actions.

Disciples of anything are responsible with what they learn, and then, what they’ll do with it.

There will come a time when they’ll share the information with others through the way they live, speak, and think.

It will be a serious matter to assimilate that which condemns us, as it may cause harm to the mind, body, and spirit. It becomes improtant to consider the effect it will have on us.

As we are disciples of anything that appeals to us, it is up to us to choose wisely the persons we read after, or listen to.

The music that seems to draw us away from reality and peace, will make us less apt to receive God’s leading, which is of utmost importance to Him.

What God tells us through His Word, gives life and direction that we cannot find elsewhere.

When we are open to learn from seasoned teachers of God’s Word, we are true Disciples of Christ.

We can receive direction for our lives through the fellowship within the local Bible-centered church, as well as the preaching and teaching given there.

It is hoped that seasoned church members will be willing to meet with new folks, to encourage and instruct them in the faith, so they’ll not only feel welcomed, but find strength and love available to them through Christ-centered friendships.

So many folks leave a church, because there is no one who’ll reach out to welcome and befriend them.

God’s heart for His people is that they will connect with one another, so He can meet their needs through each other. This creates a true family.

It’s important that they learn the basics of spiritual growth, so they can grow in their faith and commitment.
Some churches offer small-group gatherings on a regular basis.

Many have men who meet with men, and women who meet with women. Some groups have couples as well as singles attending their gatherings.

The meetings of “one on one” may give opportunities for personal questions and needs to be addressed in private.

There are those who will not attend a large group, but who would attend a small one.They cannot handle a lot of people, for one reason or another.

There are issues that control their thinking and feelings, which hinder their relating to others.

In a small gathering, they are more willing to receive from one they’ve learned over time to respect.

They become disciples of those who faithfully represent Christ, who have answers for their every-day lives.

My friend Jeff McGrath gives us four key areas that he sees "are important in making a great disciple:

1.) Sonship or identity in Christ - understanding who we are in Christ and the name and nature of Christ in me.

2.) Worship - we are created to worship God. Worship is our highest form of ministry before the Lord, and He loves it!

3.) Destiny - this involves the call of God upon our lives as believers ("I know the plans I have for you"). We need to partner with God in our destiny/prophetic word, which leads to process.

4.) Process/Suffering - God uses process to take us from where we're at today to where He wants to bring us with the understanding that this process includes trials, hardships, struggles, suffering, etc in order to ultimately produce maturity and completeness in Christ.

I'm discovering as I continue to embrace these four principles in my life while observing them in others who understand these areas, my life is being completely changed."

Old Testament disciples were simply followers of great teachers.

The teacher would take a person under their wing, and teach and nurture them.

The disciple would follow them wherever they went and learn everything they taught. They would learn to love them more than anyone or anything else.

Today, we have excellent teachers and preachers available to learn from. May we choose carefully those who are worthy to teach us, being careful to search out what we hear to be truth. Our faith will affect everything we think, say, and do.

Will we become those who will then mentor others, to help strengthen their faith? I trust so, for God's glory.

Let’s pray: Father, please help me be more attentive to what You're trying to teach me through those who are worthy of my attention. I want to reach out to others with the wisdom I'm gathering, so may I become a good disciple of those who teach Your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Scripture today for when everything seems to be going from bad to worse: 2 Timothy 3 [In our Life Group this morning, we read most of this reference. I highly recommend that you read the entire chapter, as it really supports what I've written above...]

Our thought today: We will be miserable if we do not do God’s will.

Tomorrow’s post: #14 The Big Revival Dr. R. A. Torrey

A popular post: Devotions to Christ is the Springboard for Everything