Once we witness the Jesus who changes everything...well...everything changes. And we are a part of the everything that has changed. The rest of our lives become a to - be - written document or, better yet, a to - be - painted canvas that begins to tell our story of belief. And while salvation is offered as a free gift, a life lived believing and following will literally cost us everything. This is the cost of discipleship.
Too often, we relegate discipleship to a catch phrase or a Bible study or steps to be taken with a Christ-following friend. These are surely components of discipleship, but at the root of discipleship is a person learning to live their life and shift their behaviors based on a series of beliefs that stem from the teachings and actions of Jesus. Discipleship is committed to becoming more like Jesus; a commitment that, Jesus says, will cost us everything. He demands it to be so.
The ‘becoming more’ part of the commitment is central to our understanding of discipleship because nobody ever arrives at becoming Jesus; there is only One. He is The One who calls us, saves us, equips us with His Spirit, and therefore enables us to pursue this kind of life. The life of a disciple. And, as a disciple, it is commanded to us that we show others how to live life as a disciple as well – this is the discipling part of discipleship. And unending action that we are commanded to commit to.
As we learn the ropes of discipleship, we must commit to learning together. That’s how Jesus did it. 1x1. 1x3. 1x12. Interpersonal and interdependent relationships are key to this lifelong lifestyle of discipleship. And it’s one of the best parts about being in The Family of God. Sometimes we get to witness Him together, but we will always get to believe Him together.
