How do you know if you are genuinely living the kingdom life, a life fully devoted to following Jesus Christ? Is it possible that you are only giving lip service to God by repetitively saying “I am saved” to whoever will listen? Jesus tells us if we wish to become his disciple, we must die to ourselves. Have you died to yourself? The proof is your actions and not merely your words. It’s easy to shout to the world that you are saved but are you practicing anti-self realization, or only giving lip service to God with your words, but choosing to live a life based on self.
Jesus reminds us that our kingdom’s calling isn’t to “save” people. Jesus is the one who saves, and he saved the entire creation at Calvary, through the cross and resurrection. Our great commission is to “make disciples” of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world! Are you listening?
You can’t transmit something you don’t have. If all you can say in your Christian walk is that “I am saved,” you are no more a disciple of Jesus Christ than an atheist or agnostic. If, as a kingdom person, you are not helping bring about justice, righteousness, and shalom to the people about you, then you are anti-kingdom and anti-Christian. You must learn to judge yourself by your actions and not your intentions.
Jesus says, “if anyone wishes to follow me, they must first deny themselves and pick up their cross and follow me. Those who lose their life for me will find their life.” We all lust for God’s gift of salvation and God’s countless blessings, but are we ready to become a fully devoted disciple and quit merely giving lip service to the world that we are saved? Great you are saved, but now what?
To become a disciple, you must first learn how to be a disciple. This commitment means you will need a teacher, but you first must become teachable. Are you teachable?
“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” ~ Likely Buddha, but often debated by scholars.
To begin the discipleship process, ask someone to mentor you; this is a great starting place. Then join a small group, and start living the kingdom life with other people living kingdom-centered lives. Next, complete the discipleship courses at your church. If none exist, promptly ask, “WHY NOT!” Lastly, once you are well on your way to giving Jesus your whole being, instead of just lip service, start and never stop helping others to do the same. Friends, this is how we will help Jesus bring forth the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven, by making disciples, who make disciples, who make disciples, for helping to usher in the kingdom of God! Friends, that is cool!
Scripture Readings
Reflection Questions
- What did you take away from today’s reflection and scripture readings?
- Like Israel and Jacob, are you prepared to die?
- Being honest with yourself, are you a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ?
- In what ways do you give lip service when it comes to your faith and walks?
- Why are so many people content with “being saved” while not being disciples?
- Who will you ask to mentor you? What small group will you join? Who can you start disciplining?
Prayer
Lord, You know my heart and my status as a disciple. Please show me my heart and status as a disciple the way You see my heart and authentic self. Remove from inside me anything that is prohibiting me from becoming Your fully devoted disciple. In Your Spirit and Name, I pray these things. Amen.
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