DISCIPLESHIP CHOICES

I Was Just Thinking About – DISCIPLESHIP CHOICES.

Recently, I read the following about Discipleship. The author allowed that: “If I Could, I Would” as his premise. If he could, what would he do? His response: “If I could, I would have people in the churches become responsive to the word of God by doing what it says. However, even Paul made a distinction among people in the churches by writing in a letter, Second Timothy 2:1-3 (NKJV), “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” The distinction Paul makes is to single out those who are faithful and can take the discipleship baton and run with it as they share the truths of discipleship with other faithful ones. How many Timothy-types have we met? How many can be entrusted with the Timothy-task? Another aspect of if I could, I would include having faithful people remember Romans 11:36 (NKJV), “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever.” Why is it so difficult for a church or individuals to think of the glory of God first rather than any personal adulation one may receive for doing kingdom work? Do mega-churches thrive on the recognition and adulation they receive? On a personal level, are our egos so emaciated that they need to be fed compliments and praise that belongs to the Lord alone? Why are some disappointed if they are not publicly recognized or acclaimed in some manner?”

The entry continued with these thoughts: “When Evangelistic Rallies or Revival Meetings are held, it is not uncommon to have celebrities and dignitaries seated on the platform during a meeting. It is thought that they will serve as a magnet to attract other people to be a part of the audience for the event. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ cautioned about the egocentric behavior of some. Matthew 6:1, Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. The operative phrase is, “to be seen by men.” In like manner, Matthew 6:5, When you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. Once again, “to be seen by men” is the operative phrase. In a condemnatory way, Jesus addresses this same type of issue in Matthew 23:2-5, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.  Therefore, whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.  For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to be seen by men.  The emphasis point of Jesus Christ in this passage is about the things being done to be seen by people. It is obvious that compassion, mercy and benevolence have nothing to do with that which was advocated. Personal adulation, acceptance and recognition are both the cause and effect for their actions.”

What does this have to do with us and our learning to be a faithful disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ? The simple answer is – everything! Jesus established the standard for being a disciple and he expected it to be followed without exception, amendment or alteration. Where do you find his basic requirements? You can begin with the cost of discipleship stated in Luke 14:25-33 (NKJV) where Jesus emphasized one has to leave all to follow Him. There are no exceptions regarding the cost. He cannot and will not be relegated to second place. When Colossians 1:18 states He is to be preeminent (in first place) in everything, it means precisely what is stated. It would be implementing immediately Luke 9:23-24 (NKJV), “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” How have you responded to the requirements of Jesus Christ?

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.