Following Christ – What it Means to Be a Disciple

The task of the disciple is to follow Christ, seek Christ, obey Christ, and draw close to Christ.

• This, we can do.
• This, we must do if we are disciples of Jesus.
• This is, in its very essence what it means to be a disciple.

The task of the disciple is not to change ourselves or transform the world.

• This we cannot do.
• This, only God can do.
• This is, in its very essence what God is all about.

But these are not disconnected. In fact, they are very much a tandem. A changed person and a transformed world is the fruit of disciples following Christ, seeking Christ, obeying Christ, drawing near Christ.

The reason why Jesus invites disciples to “Follow him,” is because when we follow him, seek him, obey him, and draw near to him, he changes us. And it’s when we follow Christ, seek Christ, obey Christ, and draw near Christ that God uses Christ-followers to change the world. When we try to change ourselves, we will only be frustrated because will power cannot change us. Because, ultimately, it is our wills that need transformation and change.

God’s job – to change and transform people and the world.

Our job – follow Christ, seek Christ, obey Christ, and draw near to Christ.

When disciples follow, seek, obey Christ, and draw near to Christ, God changes the disciple and the world is transformed.