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Discipleship: Easier said than doneSeptember 16, 2008Matthew 16:24-25 Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.'
Most people can define "Christian" easier than "Christian life." The first one is theological; but the latter is messy because it deals with actual living. Christian living or discipleship is difficult to define. Like a piece of art, many of us will know it when we see it, but still there might be discrepancies between us on if what we see is indeed art. In the Old Testament standards of discipleship involved following strict adherence to ethical codes. Although following these laws were important, one needed to do them with a pure heart, not out of mere obligation. The laws weren’t meant to be a barrier, but a way for people to be in a right relationship with God. When Jesus came along he condensed the previous laws down to two. First, we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. Second, we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Sounds simple enough, but when lived out it can be more trying than following the Old Testament list of laws. Although Jesus is open to accepting sinners (Matthew 11:28-30), he is stringent on what he expects from his disciples (Matthew 5, 6). In order to live as disciples we must first and foremost be in a right relationship with God. Secondly, we must be ethical in our living. Lastly, we must be gracious servants of God and others. These three things, although simple in understanding, can prove almost impossible for even the most devoted follower. We can always do more to strengthen our relationship with God. It’s a daily struggle to live a moral and ethical life with the demands and expectations put on us. When it comes to serving others, there is always more to do. Will we be sensitive to the needs of others and allow ourselves to be inconvenienced by them? Most people who profess to be Christians fail to live up to the high demands of Jesus’ view of discipleship. Even the original disciples often missed the mark. Since the birth of Christianity, followers of Jesus have struggled to live up to these high demands. Does that mean that discipleship is an impossible expectation? No. Jesus knew what he was getting when he called his first disciples and when he calls us today. He didn’t select only those he knew would follow the law flawlessly; Jesus likes a project and giving people a chance. He knows that we all fall short of the expectations he has for us. That doesn’t mean that Jesus needs to lower His expectations, but that we should make every effort to rise to the occasion. It’s not impossible; it’s just not easy. Prayer: Jesus, I believe in you, but I am afraid that I am not a very good disciple. I have failed to love you and love my neighbor. Forgive me. I will continue to strive to be a good and upright disciple. Amen. For more informationRev. Leigh Martin |
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