Discipleship

My ladies' Bible study this year is studying the Gospel of Matthew.  Today's lesson was on chapter 10 wherein Jesus selects his 12 disciples/apostles (both terms are used in the 4 gospels to delineate these men) and empowers them and sends them out, first to teach the Israelites (as an aside, in my previous readings of this book I'd never picked up on the fact that at this time, Jesus only wanted to have these men approach Israel, not the Gentiles.  Jesus did not limit himself this was, but for this time, the 12 were to only "target" Israel).

Merriam-Webster's online dictionary defines a disciple as "one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another".  Dictionary.com's definition is "a pupil or adherent of the doctrine of another".  In my Bible study this week we were talking about how being a disciple implies continued learning on our part as well -- perhaps analogous to the requirements of schools that teachers keep current through coursework of their own.  In any event, what does it mean for us today to be disciples?  As you can imagine, the answer is as broad as anything else -- our churches and denominations promote differing "styles" to us.  As individuals we also have beliefs about our personal discipleship based on our own learning.  I personally believe that as members of the family of Christ, God knows what our personal "missions" are.  I don't believe that there is one answer that is true for every person, but if we seek God first and listen to what He has to say to us, I believe that the answer we arrive at is the correct one (yes, I do recognize that many disagree with me, so please leave any comments you may have!).  Here are some broad brush-stroke thoughts to get you started:

• While we are guaranteed salvation by grace through faith, our life on earth is NOT guaranteed to be easy.  Jesus warns the 12 about being persecuted.  With the exception of John, all 11 disciples were put to death because of their ministry (with the exception, of course, of Judas Iscariot).
• Again, discipleship requires being students.  I have read through the entire Bible 3 times and through various parts of it much more often.  But I keep reading.  Every time I pick it up and read, I learn something new.  Technology makes it even more convenient for us -- you can download an entire Bible onto a phone/computer or find one on-line.  As a church we are reading through the Bible chronologically this year -- what a joy to be able to share the experience with friends!
• Disciples give the credit to God.  Period.  Without God we can do nothing.
• Disciples take a stand for Christ.  Even when it isn't a popular choice.
• God comes first for disciples.  As a mother, I often struggle with this one.  I know in my mind that God is in control, but I fail to fully trust Him and worry and "over-parent" often.
• God also comes before self to disciples.  Before you take a bite of that sandwich, thank God.  Before you get out of bed in the morning, thank God for another day of life.  We get into such "busy-ness" that we (I!) forget to put God first.
• Discipleship requires discipline (same root word, no?).  I believe that as we become more dependent on God that we ourselves can become more dependable.  
• Disciples seek to be like Christ.  As with anyone we admire on earth and try to be like, how much more wonderful is it to seek to be like Christ?

Hopefully there was something in this material that either gives you pause to think or helps you on your own personal journey.