A Disciple Illustration

During a recent men's breakfast at church, we were treated to hear testimonies of God's faithfulness to work in the lives of His people.  I was encouraged and blessed by those who shared from the heart.

There was one story that opened up a fresh perspective of discipleship.  When people speak of or consider discipleship, often people look to spiritual disciplines like reading the Bible, regular times of prayer, attending gathering with fellow believers to worship God, giving, fasting and Christian service--actions that are done outwardly and are quantifiable.  Some feel if they are doing these things more whilst avoiding sin they are doing well in their relationship with God, and this can be true.  Since the Pharisees were very good at maintaining their religious exterior without having hearts transformed by the Gospel, the embrace of spiritual disciplines do not necessary correlate with being saved.

A brother rehearsed an event which happened years ago as a teen when he was smacked in the mouth by the school bully.  Raised in a Christian home, he said it was the first time he remembered doing something contrary to his will for the sake of Jesus.  After being struck in the mouth, he heard three voices:  his mother saying "Destroy him!", his father advising "Do what you think is right," and the voice of Jesus who said, "Turn the other cheek" (Matthew 5:39).  He had previously identified as a Christian, read the Bible, went to church and prayed, but that deliberate act to turn the other cheek was a massive step of faith in Jesus to deny himself and instead follow Jesus as LORD.

This is a wonderful illustration of what it means to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Jesus.  As Christians, there should be moments on a daily basis when we deliberately lay aside our will to obey what Jesus has commanded us, to follow His example rather than the inclinations of our flesh.  Intentional obedience to Jesus is divinely translated into love for Him, for Jesus told His disciples in John 14:15:  "If you love Me, keep My commandments."  There are many voices that impress themselves upon us, but genuine disciples of Jesus will deny themselves to do as He says.