“It is possible to know all about doctrine and still not know Jesus.”
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest.
Over the years, there have been untold numbers of books written about faith, Christianity and Jesus Christ. Learned men have studied, meditated and pored over volumes of deep theological material so that they could speak and teach on the subject. Many have earned advanced degrees in theology at universities and seminaries across the country. One can certainly find layer upon layer of knowledge in academic works and in the Word of God.
Most people in our country today believe there is a God. I know it’s hard to imagine but it’s still true. Many even believe he had a Son whose name was Jesus who lived and taught a long time ago. Some would say they try their best to obey the “big ten” (commandments, that is). But did you know that having extensive doctrinal knowledge, strictly adhering to a particular creed, obeying a set of laws or even believing in the existence of God will not get you to heaven? You see, head knowledge is not the point.
Christianity is not about how much you know, but, about who you know.
Being a Christian is about having a personal relationship with Jesus as your Lord and Savior and accepting His gift of salvation—accomplished through His death on the cross.
Someone once said, “Christianity is not about rules but about relationship.”
If you have come to know Jesus Christ and consider yourself a believer, consider this: Are you also a disciple?
Being a believer is not the same thing as being a disciple.
A disciple is devoted to the person of Jesus Christ rather than to a doctrine or creed.
A disciple is willing to make sacrifices for the cause of Christ.
A disciple follows where Jesus leads in this life—both figuratively and literally.
A disciple has a personal and prayerful relationship with Jesus Christ.
“The one true sign of discipleship is intimate oneness with Him.”
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest,
A disciple represents God well in the world and is ever-mindful of their witness among the unsaved.
A disciple shares the message of the master—the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ.
Remember how the disciples (that burley rag-tag bunch of rascals) in the Bible left everything—immediately—to follow Jesus? From that point on, their lives became all about Him. They left their families and their jobs behind. They preached His message. They hung on His every word. They learned from Him. They spent time with Him. They were devoted to Him.
May we be as devoted to our master today. Let’s live life as true disciples: soaking up His Word at every opportunity, establishing the cause of Christ as our main priority, bringing others to Him as they watch our life and experience our love and mercy.
And don’t forget: to be a true disciple, we must know our master intimately. That means spending time in prayer and in the Word. We must follow in His steps, day-by-day and hour-by-hour.
Begin today to live a life of true discipleship. You wont regret it!
