The Power of Discipleship (Part 1)

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the powerful effect people have when they step into the biblical concept of being a disciple. What an amazing transition that takes place between being a follower and being a true biblical disciple. It took Peter and his mates 3 years under the constant tutoring of Jesus to make the transition. Even in the final days of Christ’s life on earth they were still transitioning thinking and heart attitudes. 

As I looked into my heart, I found my focus to fall on the largest struggles I’ve had in the journey from being a follower of Jesus, into being a disciple. Here’s a few thoughts I hope encourage you and challenge us all.

The first question is, why would I put up with all the pressure and stress that come with the changes needed to transition lifestyle and thinking into becoming a disciple?

• It was the disciples and disciple-want-to be’s that built the Kingdom. I would rather build the Kingdom then just live in it. Just abiding sounds so boring. When I look back over my life I want to see a life of having my “hands on the plow and having never looked back”. 
• The disciples walked in miraculous power. What a different story between the ones who said, “ I saw a great miracle today” and those who testify, “God just used me to release His power into my neighbors life and they will never be the same.”
• The disciples got to walk in authority (got to do) while the followers got parables, lectures, sermons and scoldings. Its always more fun to do than to just listen. Smile.
• I want Jesus to “command” me into battle like the disciples. He sent them out by two’s into impossible situations to bring hope to the hopeless and strength to the weary. The followers never even got the opportunity.

I began to think of the times I have cried out to God and asked him to use me and silence was my only response. Maybe it was that I was satisfied being a follower without wanting the pain and change demanded upon a disciple. I may never know what it is to be a Christian of miracles unless I allow God to change my whole perspective of life, giving, serving, loving, and people.

God change my heart so that I want to be a disciple of Jesus... I want to be all I can be in this life.

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