So, two thousand years ago rabbinical candidates memorized a whole lot of scripture. It was impressive. But, how are we tested as candidates, how do we know if we are disciples? You might miss out on the whole point of this thing with the memorization (and I would argue many of them did). The point is not memorization, or even internalization; the point is how dedicated are you to this thing?
How would one know if he is a disciple? If we consider ourselves disciples, then what would we be doing? These scriptures show us what fulfills the if/then statement: If you do this, you are my disciple.
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” – John 15:8
1) If you are a disciple, then you bear fruit. The proof is in the pudding.
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even life itself—such a person cannot be my disciple.” – Luke 14:26
2) This does not mean hate your family. It means your love for them pales in comparison to your love for God, and therefore where He goes, you’ll go.
“Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples’.” – John 8:31
3) Abide in His word. The truth will set you free.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35
4) Love one another. We should lay down our lives for one another. No greater love…
And, drum-roll please, the triple whammy:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.” – Matthew 16:24
5) Deny oneself.
6) Take up your cross.
7) Follow me. Sacrifice.
I see 7 things. That’s a pretty biblical number. Don’t look at this as 7 ways to success, though, especially if you’re thinking worldly success (can you imagine any New York Times bestseller with the principle of “Deny yourself?”—That’s laughable). These principles got a man nailed to a cross, with similar fates for his followers. But they are seven great principles upon which someone could live their life.
What are the implications?
This requires forgetting oneself. You have to carry this revelation that you don’t belong to you. You have been bought. It’s not about you. You are giving back what didn’t really belong to you in the first place. You can’t be one foot in and one foot out.
It inherently requires developing some disciplines. And we can’t just follow to the point of convenience—discipline is rarely convenient. What is discipline?
DISCIPLINE: creating the space in which God can act (-Henri Nouwen)
Discipline requires those few extra reps, those few extra laps where your muscles are going to strain but they’re going to grow. That’s where our spirit men and women get swull, too. It requires creating space. Disciplines and being a disciple go hand in hand—who would have thought?
