And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV shown). Another scriptural designation for a Christian is "disciple". Let us notice what a disciple is, how one becomes a disciple, and who cannot be a disciple.
Some have the idea that a disciple is simply a learner. This just is not the case. A true disciple is one who learns from his teacher, but also adheres to those teachings. Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples of all nations. They were to do this by baptizing them and teaching them to observe all the things that Jesus had taught them. Thus, Jesus gave us a good definition of what a disciple is; one who is taught then observes those teachings.
Jesus made it clear that there were some who could not be His disciples. "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26). Anyone who loves their family more than Christ cannot be Christ's disciple. Part of being a disciple is putting God first. "And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27).
This is where so many people fall short. They want to have the hope of heaven and they know that they need to become a Christian but they don't want to make any sacrifices. They want their cake and want to eat it too.
Are you a disciple of Christ? Do you adhere to His teachings? Or, are you one who chooses to put other things before God? Why not become a true disciple of Christ (See Salvation)?
-- Ralph Price (Streetsboro Church of Christ), January 2002 --
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