JESUS ON DISCIPLESHIP - PART 1 - TOTAL COMMITMENT

All Christ-followers are called to make disciples. But what does it mean to be a disciple?


Jesus spoke extensively about discipleship, outlining the commitment, challenges, and rewards associated with following Him. In my effort to be a better disciple, God has led me to study what it means to be a true, Christ-following disciple. I’ll share my insights with you for the next several days.


Today, we will look at the “commitment” aspect of being a disciple of Christ.


TOTAL COMMITMENT
Dedication is one of the primary qualities that Christ asks for from us to be called His disciples. “In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. (Luke 14:33 NIV) Jesus calls all Christ-followers to total dedication.


What does that mean? Is Christ serious? Everything? We ask: “Must I really give up everything to follow you, Lord?”


We sense Christ’s response: “Yes, child. I want you to put me first in everything that you do.”


This is a radical call that is difficult to hear because it is so hard. True discipleship requires sublimating all people, places, and things to God. Everything is a distant second to Christ Jesus our Lord. I can wrap my mind around this intellectually, and even with my heart, but in practical, day-to-day things, it seems impossible. Thank God for encouraging Scriptures like: “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26 NIV)


CONCLUSION
God gives us grace. We fail all the time in this “total commitment” that is required of us. For me, I am grateful for God’s grace. He knows I am human, and that I easily forget to stay completely and utterly surrendered to Him, so I can give Him my total commitment. That said, I will never stop trying to improve my level of dedication and devotion to being the best Christ-follower and imitator of Christ that I can be. I know you want this too. I’m grateful we are brothers and sisters in Christ walking down this discipleship road together, arm in arm, united in our purpose: To glorify God as faithful, dedicated disciples of Christ.
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Amen.
Your aspiring servant, Daniel M.
January 5, 2024
POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ.