Does It Matter If You Are A Christian Or A Disciple?

I know you have noticed it. There are words your parents use (or used) that no longer mean the same thing today as when they began using them. If you are a parent with teens, you are the one using the words that no longer mean what they meant when you were growing up. I believe the perceived meaning of the word “Christian” has changed as well.

Christian Or Disciple?

When the early church was forming, people that associated with it (and therefore Jesus’ teachings) were called Christians. Looking back to that time, terms like “Christian” and “disciple of Christ” were interchangeable. If you were one, you were also thought of as the other.

Today, I do not believe that is the case. At least, I think the term “Christian” has lost some of its original meaning. If you consider that roughly 80% of Americans associate themselves with the Christian faith (2012 Gallup poll), you could assume (based on the original meaning of the term) that there are that many disciples of Jesus Christ.

There Is A Difference!

If we define “disciple of Jesus Christ” as someone actively trying to learn and apply the teachings of Jesus, do you really think 80% of the population of the U.S. qualifies? This point is not about judging those who do or do not fit this definition.

The point is that associating ourselves with the Christian faith is not at all the same as being a disciple of Jesus Christ. Too many people are willing to stop at the association with Christianity and are not willing to go the distance to actually be a disciple of Christ.

I Am A Republican

Consider the following analogy. I am a Republican when it comes to U.S. politics. I associate myself with that political party. If someone polled me on the telephone or on a street corner, that is the answer I would give them.

When it comes to actual elections, I most often vote for the Republican candidate. I agree with most of the platform for the Republican party and would probably argue the Republican position in most political discussions.

I Am Not A Die-Hard

However, I am not a die-hard Republican. I do not attend rallies or events sponsored by the party. I do not study the party platform. I do not donate money to the party or any of its candidates. Being associated with the Republican party does not impact my life in any significant way.

As before, my point is not political at all. I am simply stating that many of us often treat our faith the way I treat politics. Too often, we are fine with associating ourselves with the Christian faith, but do not allow it to significantly impact our lives or our businesses.

Disciple = Die-Hard

A disciple of Christ, on the other hand, is a die-hard. A disciple only wants to please God and is only pleased by Him. A true disciple of Christ spends time studying the teachings of Jesus for the purpose of applying them to his life. A true disciple of Jesus will not stop at association with Jesus, but actually submits his life to Him in full!

If you stop and look at your life today, what do you see? Do you see evidence of association or discipleship? Does the way you run your business or perform your job reveal your full commitment to your faith or does it suggest you are only associating yourself with Jesus?

Not A One-Time Look!

I will tell you that this does not need to be a one-time look in the mirror. I could have answered these questions much differently several years ago. While I can certainly point to some evidence of full commitment, there are too many areas that come to mind because they only reflect an association with Jesus.

I wish I could tell you that once you have figured this out it is fixed for good, but I cannot. It is a daily choice and it requires consistent accountability. You could have a great run as a disciple for several years and then slip into association mode before you realize it. It is easy to do.

I encourage you to pray about this issue of association versus discipleship. Ask God to reveal to you the areas where you have not yet completely surrendered to Him. Ask Him to prick your heart in a way that exposes any blind spots you might have. I promise He is faithful to do so.

Where do you think you stand right now?

Have you been more of a disciple in the past?

What do you need to do to get back to being a disciple?

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